Johnson's short story entitled "Dirty Wedding," set in Chicago, tells the story of a man living with his girlfriend Michelle. Michelle is with child, and after her abortion the narrator behaves inappropriately at the hospital and is asked to leave. When riding the El train, the narrator decides to follow a random man to the laundromat, and when the man removes his shirt, the narrator finds himself sexually attracted to him. Back on the El train, the narrator speaks with a young African American girl, who takes him to the Savoy Hotel where he buys drugs. Later, the narrator explains that Michelle left him for a John Smith, and took her own life shortly after. Haunted by Michelle's death, Smith killed himself too. Johnson's short story ends with a commentary on abortion, emphasizing the concept that the semantics of whether or not a fetus is considered living as well as the behavior of the surrounding lawyers, doctors, and parents are trivial matters. The importance lies in the relationship and actions of the mother and father.
Johnson's short story was intriguing; the dearth of emotion and sentiment that were coupled with the turning points in the story elicited a passive aggressive tone that paralleled the narrator's personality. His reaction to the abortion, "What did they stick up you?" lacked any respect and understanding towards his girlfriend. His willingness to follow random people on the train, his inability to comprehend his sexual orientation, and his spontaneity with drug experimentation reveal his failure in dealing with his dilemmas and coming to an understanding about his identity. At the Savoy Hotel, the narrator states that "I didn't know the rules. I didn't know what to do." Even while doing drugs, the narrator feels as if he doesn't belong- and he is aware of his lack of emotion when relating himself to Michelle, who was heartbroken about the abortion and wanted to make him feel the same pain that she was experiencing. I believe that the main theme of the story is to demonstrate the self-destruction and aimlessness that comes with drug addiction, and Johnson exemplifies this theme successfully through his protagonist's failed relationship.
I think you guys did a really great job summarizing the story. It sounds really intense and interesting. Although the narrator in a sense seems kind of unrealistic I think he makes for a really cool charcter.
ReplyDeleteArticulate presentation of summary and analysis, May. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool analysis of what would have to be my favourite short story. Although I do have a slightly different take. I feel that the real theme of the story is to bring to light the one time the narrator, despite all his flaws and seemingly thoughtless actions, made a meaningful decision. It's about his personal journey, which, while only small, is made all the more significant when contrasted against the numerous bad choices (or lack of choices) he makes. Throughout the story, the narrator never makes any kind of decisive choice--he is always following (the guy on the train, the black girl) or wandering aimlessly (riding the train, watching the movie on vasectomies). However, at the end, after he has highlighted the consequences of his actions (his and Michelle's separation, and her subsequent death), he reflects upon the one time he was able to do something meaningful, which is of course the decision he and Michelle make not to have the child.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, that's my take. Though I definitely agree that the story highlights the self-destructiveness and aimlessness of addiction, this personal movement is at the heart of it all for me.