Chapter 8 in Jong's Fear of Flying centers around the dilemma that Isadora is confronted with. Does she stay loyal to her husband Bennett or run away with the thrill-seeking Adrian? What struck out to me about this passage was that it was one of the few occasions that Bennett and Isadora actually were a loving couple. The manner in which they took a bath together is very sensual and almost purifying, as if the water splashed onto her cleanses Isadora of her adulterous behavior. However, she goes on to say how she is "a little appalled at my own promiscuity" and describes herself as "intoxicated". Despite Bennett's efforts, she still remains tainted by adultery and continues to have sexual desires for Adrian.
Isadora is fully aware of the consequences of her actions. She knows cheating on Bennett is not right, but she does it regardless. Sooner or later, she must make a decision. But at this moment in time, she is actually happy. Bennett is giving her all this attention that he had never given her before. Bennett is not an idiot. He knows Isadora is seeing Adrian behind his back and now he is taking steps to ensure that she stays with him. Instead of distancing himself from her, Bennett showers Isadora with attention and reminds her why they married in the beginning.
The rhetorical question at the end is worth pondering. Throughout the chapter, Isadora highlights the pros and cons (primarily the latter) of both Adrian and Bennett. Had they merged into one man, Isadora probably wouldn't be having this dilemma. It is also interesting how she uses the words "whole person" instead of "whole man". It is an indication that Isadora is not only looking for a man she can love, but also another human being she can connect with.
I was struck by your description of Isadora as "tainted by adultery." Very reminiscent of The Scarlet Letter. I wonder why your conception (and society's in general) of adultery is that it taints the woman, marks her in a way that reduces her value. What do we say about men who cheat? Would we also describe them as tainted.
ReplyDeleteFuther, what about the ambiguity of the word person? Aside from your interpretation, the whole person could also be Isadora. She becomes fulfilled to a degree from her two love affairs rather than being miserable in one.
In my mind, I believe adultery is evil regardless of your gender. Men who cheat are just as "tainted" as women who do the same. When two people are wed, they are supposed to stay true to each other until "death do us part". By cheating on your partner, what does that say about your marriage vows?
ReplyDeleteExcellent second point which I totally agree with. Thank you for pointing that out.
It is definitely a weird situation that they are having. Bennet clearly does not want her to leave him, so much that he allows her to cheat behind his back. In this case, I would not necessarily say that the fact she cheated on him was all that bad. If he had actually cared and reacted in a human way, then it would show that she was wronging him, but the fact that when she cheated on him, he basically didn't even react, shows that maybe he really doesn't care at all.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a really interesting passage too Daniel. I think I saw things a little differently than you though. Don't you think it is odd how the passage has a very introspective approach and then abruptly shifts to her questioning a non-personal source. What do you think the point of that was, other than how it might affect which guy she'll want more? Are the two men even worth mentioning, if she never explicitly states their names? My closing thought, considering all of this, what do we learn about the woman as an individual?
ReplyDelete