The short stories A&P by John Updike and The Storm by Kate Chopin are said to be “a product of their time period.” As you can relate too many different pieces of literature throughout history, it is very clear that as times change, so does its literature. The Human condition however physically and mentally can be seen to be very consistent throughout long periods of time. Arguments should be justified as to why people act certain ways, other than just a changing of a time period. A consistent theme demonstrated in A&P and The Storm has to do with the concept of human sexual desires, either physically or in the main characters self-conscious. Many argue that these desires are a product of a post-modern world, while other believe it could be the character making a stand or some type of heroic defense as seen in the character Sammy from A&P. The one thing not many people are willing to open up their minds to is that, both these sexual desires are a physical trait we have been exposed to for a very long time. Sammy may be a part of a post-modern piece of literature, but to those willing to look beyond the writing, Sammy is just a maturing person going through natural physical and psychological adjustments.
Sexual desire is among many conditions in the human anatomy that comes natural, and to some unexplainable. The human sex hormones such as Androgen found in men, and Estrogen found in women, have several effects on the human body during development, and throughout one’s life. Considering these hormones and what they are capable of, it is possible that Sammy and Calixa where not just products of their time period, but a product of their natural tendencies. “The rain beat upon the low, shingled roof with a force and clatter” (Chopin 2) is a descriptive passage in The Storm just around the arrival of the main characters ex-lover. This could unquestionably be a situation to arise sexual desires between too people with an intimate past. “She had on a kind of dirty-pink-beige, I don’t know – bathing suit with a little nubble all over it and, what got me, the straps were down” (Updike 410). A very descriptive quote by Sammy as he observes who he claims to be the “Queenie” of the girls who just entered the store he works at. For most teenage boys, past or present, this sight of a beautiful half naked female in his presence may stir up sexual desires. In both instances it was said that these feelings and desires are just reflected on their time period, however through human anatomy, it can be persuaded that this is natural for the human body to feel certain ways, in certain situations.
The situation Calixa from The Storm is put in can make her vulnerable to her sexual desires. While she is home alone during a bad storm, her former love Alcee shows up to get out of the rain until it passes by. Some of the words Chopin uses are very sexual terms such as when Calixa and Alcee “thrust” the bagging beneath the crack (Chopin 2). As some may say, her actions are reflected on the time period, while others may believe that her actions committed are just her body giving into temptation while put through a specific situation. The idea that Chopin mentions that Calixa has not lost her Vivacity can be sort of scandalous in the situation while she’s with Alcee. Knowing she is still very alive and in high spirits almost makes the reader believe she is flirty. Females did not transform into flirty, fun vibrant beings through the turning of a modern to postmodern world. It is natural for one to behave a certain way and as seen through the short story, Calixa although hesitant, gives in to these natural powers. This can also be seen by Alcee pushing his temptation and desire to comfort and support her during the storm. “He pushed her hair back from her face that was warm and steaming. Her lips were as red and moist as pomegranate seed. Her white neck and a glimpse of her full, firm bosom disturbed him powerfully. As she glanced up at him the fear in her liquid blue eyes had given place to a drowsy gleam that unconsciously betrayed a sensuous desire.” (Chopin 3-4).
A powerful moment is taking place in the comfort of Alcee’s arms which leads to an inevitable kiss. As the conversation between them continues they begin reminiscing about past intimate times in Assumption, New Orleans. This leads up to the climax of the story when they pursue their natural human condition to fulfill their sexual desires. Despite the storms representation of their actions, the storm could have just arose old feelings making them give in to temptation, due to the situation they are in. There is a violent storm outside, Alcee is comforting Calixa and they are looking back on intimate encounters. This is a great example of two people just going with the natural flow of a situation, and not just actions committed due to a change in time periods and ethnics.
Sammy from A&P being a teenager full of testosterone, sexual thought and tension, is placed at a perfect spot of observation. When three females walk into his store, dressed inappropriately, it is his sexual hormones causing him to judge and mentally undress these girls, whether it be present day, or even in time before post-modernism. The way Updike was explaining these girls is very typical of an immature teenager just being exactly that, which causes his curiosity to ascend. “The longer her neck was, the more of her there was.” (Updike 410). This is just one example his self-conscious develops while he chases the girls around the store with hungry eyes. This is very natural for a teenager to be attracted to someone of the opposite sex, especially considering the attire she is wearing. Even McMahon was “sizing up their joints,” (Updike 411) after the ladies approach him asking him a question. It’s not just the time period responsible for these actions, nor is it only Sammy with these desires as seen by his co-workers actions. It is natural to be curious, and to seek a female counterpart. Another example that some say is a post-modern action is when Sammy quits his job after watching the girls get tormented and embarrassed. It is in our blood to wish to be the so called “alpha male”. No man wishes to be told what to do yet we know it is just a part of life. Sammy being young and ambiguous doesn’t like the show that Lengel put on telling the girls its store policy and to get out of the store looking like they did. Sammy wants to be dominant and show Lengel that he won’t have that. Since history has recorded, men have had the trait to be in control. In no way do I see this a symbol of a post-modern world.
Other than the literature we see passing through time, there are many outside sources demonstrating similar actions such as desire, dominance and inappropriate behavior, dating back before post-modernism. A clear example that defines all these characteristics are the Vikings during the times of the Germanic Invasions in Medieval Europe. Vikings are known for their brutal actions conquering and raiding mainly defenseless lands that had riches they could obtain. Vikings who came from less fortunate roots were seeking riches in their travels. Sticking to the human condition of desire, they wanted what the fortunate settlers of places such as England had. Sammy demonstrating his alpha male walking out and quitting his job, the Vikings demonstrated their dominance by taking what they wanted by force. Vikings are not a part of a post-modern world, as they raided and settled in places they pleased just passing the coming of the Common Era. These traits discussed earlier such as desires and being dominant alpha males were seen centuries before we approach this new concept of post-modernism.
Through must research and observation of literature and our ancestors, the evidence is clear that although we can see how literature is a product of our time period, not all actions and emotions are a result. From Calixa’s desires with an ex-lover, to Sammy’s self-conscious running wild with three half naked females wandering his store, it is obvious that the human condition is naturally vulnerable to these scenarios. As seen with the Viking invasions and pilgrimages, these desires to get what we want date back as far as 800 A.D. It is in our blood from centuries ago to fulfill certain desires. It is a part of the human anatomy and biological phenomenon to act as Sammy and Calixa did. It may have been so deeply frowned upon later back in time that is was never mentioned in literature, but it certainly didn’t spring up with the coming of post-modernism. The concept of sexual desires might be seen more in a post-modern world , as it becomes unfortunately less frowned upon, but it is ridiculous to say that these feelings and actions never took place in a modern world, and in time periods beyond.
No comments:
Post a Comment