Historically, many groups of people have been subjected to much scrutiny or lack of acceptance from society. Acceptance in current society, sadly, is often based on gender, ethnicity, social class, or sexual preference. In "Kiss the Girls and Make Them Spy," by Mabel Maney, the characters exist in a reality where sexual preference plays no role as to whether they"re accepted in society. The novel is based on a world in which homosexuals are not denied any rights, and are extremely accepted. Maney cunningly utilizes many literary elements to present her readers with more insight on the unfairness of the way homosexuals are treated today. .
Through the use of paradox, Maney is able to present readers with a reality where homosexuals are extremely open with their sexuality, and suffer no consequences from doing so. The main character in the novel, Jane Bond, ironically, does not feel uncomfortable or uneasy by indulging in public displays of affection with her female partner. At a local public flat, "Bridget caressed the back of Jane's neck and gave her one last kiss."(pg. 58) Maney's use of paradox is here is obvious; she is attempting to expose the corruption that exists in today's society. The corruption lies in the unfair discomfort that homosexuals have to deal with, when "coming out" about their sexual preference, or the uneasiness of indulging in public affection with their partner. Another example of paradox can be seen when Agent Pumpernickel, a character who can identify himself as a "closet" homosexual, close to retirement, meets Jane at the zoo. Pumpernickel interestingly states, "We shouldn't be seen leaving the zoo together." (pg. 82) In society, a male and female seen walking together usually draws neither positive nor negative attention; however, a homosexual couple can attract negative attention if seen together. To highlight the paradox of her narrative, Maney uses Pumpernickels quote.
Jack Fergusson risks his life to save a drowning girl named Mabel. ... Mabel is psychologically and emotionally unstable. ... When Jack replied that he did indeed loved Mabel, this brought Mabel to sanity. Jack's intention of telling Mabel that he did not love her would bring horror to Mabel and possibly commit suicide once more. ... He didn't want to ruin Mabel's moment. ...
Fergusson had no feelings for Mabel before the incident. ... In the beginning of the story, Mabel was dead and lifeless. ... The pond symbolizes the start of the love of Mabel and Dr. ... Fergusson feelings for Mabel before they fell in love. ... The change of Mabel clothing represents her change of heart. ...
You can see this happen primarily in Mabel's life after she experiences life of poverty. Mabel was forced to buy cheap food and endure life of insufficiency. ... His social status stood in the way of being able to confess his love for Mabel. ... The love conflict between Mabel and Dr. ... The story starts off with the three brothers and Mabel sitting around a dining room table. ...
Second, when describing Mabel's brother Joe and his next job on the estate in his new marriage. ... Ferguson faces Mabel and the look of her eyes seems overpowering to him, as if he is a subject of hers. ... The crisis of the story is that the three brothers and sister Mabel are facing the elimination of their father's once prosperous horse trading farm. ... This is where the doctor finally accepts that he loves Mabel, and is arguably the turning point in the story. ... In addition, it is worth mentioning that Mabel's attitude throughout the story is passionate yet animalist...
The story does give out clues throughout about the difference in personalities between both Eric and Mabel. ... Eric locked Mabel out of the house and left her to suffer and feel the cold outside to teach her a lesson all to let out the anger built up inside of him over one dispute between him and Mabel. The effects of Eric's alcohol consumption was clear when he wouldn't let Mabel in even after she screamed "Eric, please let me in"(pg. 64) and Eric was drunk again when he locked Mabel outside to freeze, but he regretted it afterwards when he found out she had suffered severe frost...
A direct relation to the dreary and sullen atmosphere is Mabel's persona. Mabel is the most dynamic of all characters. It can be concluded from the story that, although she is not, Mabel already feels "dead" because she has not fulfilled herself as a woman (she is a loveless virgin, more interested in loving her dead mother than a living man). ... (page, 390) The doctor is, in fact, the one person who brings light to Mabel's depressing life. ... The setting in this story helps to highlight the changes that occur within the story between Mabel and Dr. ...
(Hammond 3) In 1900 Mabel Tolkien, Tolkiens mother, was received into the Catholic church. ... The situation turned worse when Mabel Tolkien, who was diagnose with diabetes, died on October 15. Because of Mabel's turn to Catholicism and the family's opinions on it, the boys were left orphaned. ...
(Hammond 3) In 1900 Mabel Tolkien, Tolkiens mother, was received into the Catholic church. ... The situation turned worse when Mabel Tolkien, who was diagnose with diabetes, died on October 15. Because of Mabel's turn to Catholicism and the family's opinions on it, the boys were left orphaned. ...
While Mabel obsesses about other people's opinions of her, at the same time she tends to disregard those views with an air of rebelliousness. For instance, when Mabel receives Mrs. ... Still, Mabel manages to press on, and goes to the dressmaker to be fitted. ... The ironic ending to "The New Dress- shows that Mabel is perfectly aware how ridiculous it is for her to be so dependent on society's views. ... In actuality, perhaps it is not society's burdens that hold Mabel back, but her own false perceptions...
