Binaries

[always_succesful]

The story "Boys and Girls," was a great example of binaries. The description of the basement, where her father worked, with its 100watt light bulb was of particular interest to the narrator. This is an example of a binary because during the early 1900’s, girls were expected to learn how to become lady’s, which involved learning how to cook, clean and take care of the men. It was not lady like for a girl to be interested in technology for science, was a “boy thing” during that time. Next, we have the kitchen where her mother worked. The narrator first motioned she hated the kitchen. She particularly points out the wavy mirrors in the kitchens as one of the aspects she doesn’t like. Girls who are learning how to dress properly for the boys would often spend a lot of time in front of the mirror and consequently begin to love it. The narrator on the other hand, at the beginning of the story, does not. Its not until after she let out Flora and had a guilt trip at the dinner table that she began to love mirrors like a “normal” girl. We also have the children’s bedroom as a great example of a binary for it in itself contained two examples. The bedroom is a place where a child is supposed to feel safe and comfortable. Instead, it’s a place of “bats and skeletons” with run away criminals hiding behind a roll of linoleum. The only safe part of the bedroom is the worn carpet and the “narrow life rafts” her and her brother slept on. The way she describes the room seems to be a strong indicator that she doesn’t feel safe upstairs, even when she is on the carpet or her bed. The bedroom also contained a painting of the battle of Baclaclava, which the narrator specifically mentions is sad to look at. The battle of Baclaclava had a strong tie to the imaginary world she pictured herself in when she went to bed. The battle of Baclaclava consisted of large regiments of cavalry. When the narrator was lying in bed, she imagined herself as a hero on horseback saving the day from turmoil. The imaginary world she pictures herself in brings her great happiness and excitement. Which is opposite to how the painting made her feel. Funny how these two images are so similar but opposite to each other isn’t it?

Comments

Part 2,A, Binaries

[literaryhopeful]

Hi Nathan, I enjoyed the two examples of binaries you gave i.e. the girl's interest in the 100 watt light bulb (technology) versus it being a "boy thing." Also, the example of not liking the vanity of mirrors and then enjoying reflecting herself in one. It is though she was using the mirror as a self analysis at the end of story i.e. wondering if she is pretty etc. but before it just reflected her defiance in becoming a women. Its funny in society today we still frown on men, who spend too much time in front of the mirror, but for a women its considered normal.

[myimaginaryworld]

I think your view on the light bulb and mirror was very insightful and helped me put even more meaning into the story. I'll admit both objects stood out for me when I read the story but I couldn't think of a reason why they would. Perhaps I should consider it a good thing I don't automatically connect science with boys.
Thanks!

[blue_sea]

That was a great idea using the 1900's versus 2012 as binaries. The narrator definitely did not want to follow the typical gender stereotype that society established in the 1990's. She clearly did not want to do the woman's job. I really enjoyed how you dug deeper into the painting of the battle of Baclaclava.