Death and illness presented again in this story. Now, from the point of view of the partner and exploring tolerance, hopes, commitment, conformism…
What do you think of the title of this story? Why and where comfort?
What do you see in the relationships presented? Love, marriage, courtship...
I believe on being true to yourself, on defending what you think, and on living life coherently. However, I also believe on tolerance, on finding middle grounds and, specially lately, on letting things go for the sake of maintaining harmony and good vibes.
ReplyDeleteProbably that's why I find it difficult to empathize with Lewis. I agree with his point of view, I agree with his idea of separating science and religion, but I think things could have been managed differently and everybody would have won, would have found that comfort that we all look for. In the way Lewis acts and argues, I find more stubbornness than commitment.
I found extremely sad the issue regarding the note. It is as if they knew everything from each other, but at the same time they did not know about their deepest thoughts and desires. Nina knew she couldn't expect a note... Nevertheless, she was eager for the unexpected, so she looked for it. Lewis was careful to do the whole suicide process when she was not around, so there would not be legal or any other possible complications for her. He thought about her in that sense, he cared. However, he did not think about how she would feel about the loss. He didn't know she would need a good-bye note, maybe he didn't bother to know. So focus, or better said, so obsessed, with making his point that in his lasts thoughts was everybody but her.
At the beginning I could not understand why that title. After thinking about it, I feel how she needs comfort and finds it, not in a note, but in the pause with Ed Shore; and years ago, in that meeting, again with him. At the end, is like she also finds comfort, and makes peace with herself, Lewis, and the situation, by saying goodbye to the ashes.
In this story I see loveship, friendship, marriage… but I feel something vital missing.
Looking forward to the next one!
Macarena, I couldn't agree more with you!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the story, I too thought that he was loyal to his principles and ideas, and that's good, but I couldn't help disliking him. I truly believe in the separation of religion and education/science, but I also believe in the freedom of individuals to choose their creed. Religion is a tough subject, as it is based on intangible arguments, but has proved to be more a powerful weapon, though not always used in the most positive way.
Despite getting ready for the final outcome, culturally and socially most of us are not ready for death. When looking at it from the distance, you might think you are ready and that it makes sense for him to go. But when it becomes real, I am sure it must be overwhelming and Nina needs something to hold on to.
Comfort? In death for the suffering character; in courtship after the death of a partner that was too self-aware coming from someone that was always in the back of your mind; in the relief that religion gives some people.
In the story, I don’t see marriage or loveship, but I see friendship and courtship.
Moving on to the next one!