The Other Bonaparte

Pauline Bonaparte

As I read The Kingdom of This World, I noticed the name Bonaparte in several parts of the reading. I had no idea that this Bonaparte had any relation to the Bonaparte family. During class the next day, I learned that Pauline was, in fact, the sister of famous Napoleon. It made me start thinking about how much attention some people get in history books, but how little recognition others get. 

It is obvious that Napoleon accomplished enough in his lifetime to become as recognized as he is even nowadays. But, how strange it is that his sister, who was very present in Napoleon's life, is basically unknown to the world. Pauline was one of six children in the Bonaparte family. She was a princess. And she sold all of her belongings to stay with her brother Napoleon while exiled to Elba. Who would have guessed, right?

This book, and thinking about Pauline Bonaparte, made me think a lot about how the era and circumstances into which a person is born, has so much to do with the opportunities they have to become famous or influential in this world. Some people who do very little receive much appreciation and attention during their time and even after their death. Others, because they live during a time with too many people doing the same thing, receive no recognition. 

On that note, I began to wonder what kind of a life I would live. I would say it is easy to bet that I will never become famous or well-known around the country or even world. But there are certainly things that I can accomplish during my lifetime which could make a small difference. If I were able to achieve that, I think I would be happy, even if I don't make into the history books.

Everlasting Revolution

"In January 2004 Haiti observed the two-hundred-year anniversary of its independence from France in the midst of a national revolt."

Edwidge Danticat, Inroduction to The Kingdom of This World

Happy anniversary. 

Well, sort of. The very first line of the very first page of this book wreaked of sadness. I don't think it was supposed to be a sad sentence, but the idea it conveys is sad by principle. After a hard-fought beginning and surely a couple hundred hard years to follow, the happy anniversary present the people give to their country is war. I obviously don't know the reasons of this war, but as a human being, I can observe the tragedy with sadness. 

At a moment so happy as the two-hundred-year mark of independence, Haiti finds itself caught up in yet another revolution. Justified or not, it is depressing to see the unrest that still prevails in so many countries such as this one. While we don't see armed revolts or open rebellion to the government in this country, we certainly flirt with the line between peace and war. And that war is with ourselves.

As we approach yet another presidential election, we see a country torn by extreme ideas. It seems that you don't matter as a person, but as a number or a vote. You cannot just believe in happiness anymore, but only try to find the lesser of two evils. That is obviously a little bit of an exaggeration, but it seems that that is the way we are headed. 

I think it's about time for people to be happy for their country. I think it's a perfect time for people to be proud to be Americans and of the heritage of this wonderful land! It's time to sit back a little, and consider everything that has been done in order for Americans to live like we do. We have a lot of be grateful for, and, like the revolts in Haiti, we seem to drown out the specials moments of our history with contention and selfishness. And this is just as tragic as the story above. 

The Circular Ruins

"He walked toward the sheets of flame. They did not bite his flesh, they caressed him and flooded him without beat or combustion. With relief, with humiliation, with terror, he understood that he also was an illusion, that someone else was dreaming him."

The Circular Ruins, Jorge Luis Borges, 63

Talk about a "Sixth Sense" moment! While reading this story, I honestly didn't see that one coming! This story was well written in my opinion, in that the reader is concentrating on others things during the whole story. Suddenly, in the last line of the story, the reader understands a different dimension.

I compare this story to "The Sixth Sense" because the storyline is about the same. In the movie, we get to know the characters and their stories. Bruce Willis' character has his own problems in life with with wife. He is also trying to help solve the problems of the young boy who can see dead people. As the movie progresses, Willis gets very caught up in figuring out the boy's problem and fixing his own situation. At the end of the film, we find out that Willis is actually dead. That is the reason his wife won't talk to him, and the reason the boy can see him. Sorry for the spoiler, but this short story and the movie end very similarly.

I think this is the ultimate talent of writers and film makers. When they can properly twist the end of the story to make the entire thing seem different, you can't read it the same a second time. The Circular Ruins is especially strange, because it instantly makes you wonder if you are someone else's dream too. While you know that it isn't possible, suddenly you begin to think about the possibility. If that were the case, who would I dream up? What kind of person dreamed me into existence?

Repousa

Repousa, Jose Antonio da Silva, 1955

As I completed the reading for class, I could not help but notice this painting by Jose Antonio da Silva. I thought it was so beautiful and unique. The author's title for the piece is Repousa or Fazenda. It suggests a beautiful and restful place. It also infers the restfulness of a faraway farm. When I look at the picture, I just feel quiet and peaceful. 

Although, my mind instantly connected this lovely farm scene with a not-so-lovely scene that looks somewhat like this. This colorful, almost candylike, place could remind one of the story of Hansel and Gretel. For a refresher, young Hansel and Gretel are in the woods with their father when they become lost (long story short). Suddenly, they come upon a wonderful house made of cakes and candies. Hungry and tired, they begin to eat parts of the house. The rest of the story is well known and the kids end up living happily ever after. This peaceful scene just seems so simliar to the one in the strange German tale.

Just like the cannibalistic witch's cabin in the tale, these homes seems to be nestled deep in the woods. It is apparent that plants and trees are abundant. Several animals and birds are also visible in the painting. Each element of the depiction seems to confirm the quiet peace of this fazenda. It truly appears to be a restful place as the title suggests. Hopefully there is no background story of children being eaten by old women associated with this painting. Peaceful scenes like this on the outside often represent something fierce that occurs on the inside. 

Midnight Mass

"Conceição listened, with her head resting on the back of her chair, looking at me past half-shut eyelids. From time to time she wet her lips with her tongue. When I stopped speaking she said nothing. Thus we remained for several seconds. Then she raised her head; she clasped her hands and rested her chin on them, with her elbows on the arms of her chair, all without taking from me her large, perceptive eyes."

Machado de Assis, Midnight Mass, 97

The story begins. Young cousin comes into town. Husband is having an affair with married woman. Wife is found up late with young man. 

It almost seemed too perfect. Everything was being set up for the classic short story ending of ignored wife getting revenge on husband with young, innocent boy staying with the family. As young Mr. Nogueira sits up reading so he can attend the midnight mass of the city, Conceição, the lady of the household, approaches late that night to chat.

When she first arrives, she appears eager to talk, declining several suggestions for her to retire. But after Machado de Assis writes the paragraph cited above, it suddenly seems as if she is there for some other reason. Has the long-suffering woman finally snapped? Is that just how she is and nobody knew? Does she simply just want to chat? She continues the strange and seductive behavior for quite some time as the two converse. 

Instantly, the reader expects the inevitable and awaits the adulterous scene. Several short stories, especially those of Latin American culture, were referred to in class with similar plots. In all these, the deed was almost always done. I also thought about the story of Joseph of Egypt when he was similarly approached by Potiphar's wife. In his particular story, he ends up resisting a strong attack. But still, the expectation of the seemingly inevitable was there.

Well, Midnight Mass turned out to not follow the trend. Unlike many stories that begin like this one, the end was surprising. Just when it seemed like Conceição was going to pounce,  the scene ended with the two going their separate ways as planned. Nothing happened. The night appeared to never have happened. But the reader finds himself in a fix trying to figure out the complex and masterful character of Conceição.