Comparatively, I would again like to focus on a class discussion. Yesterday in class we discussed the passage on page 140 where Bird and Gilda were having an intimate moment. In comparison, I would like to share my opinions on the relation between this passage and majority of chapter 1. After the class discussion I decided to go back and read chapter 1 when the Girl first came to the house. --comparison between chapters 1 and 5--
In the passage discussed on page 140, conclusions of how far the intimacy was got me thinking. Upon my interpretations, I feel that this is how vampires have intimate moments together. It was also brought up that it is "weird" because of their relationship. However, to me, it seems more than that. With these thoughts in my head while re-reading chapter 1, I came across several instances that came off to me as "something more" between the original Gilda and Bird. There was one part where Gomez mentioned that Birds' room key opened both her door and Gilda's. She then went on to describe that Bird and Gilda both longed to lay together and feel each other next to one another in bed. Now, of course they can be friends and have the "connections" that Gomez also emphasizes, but to me, it seems more than that. I feel that subliminally, Gomez wants to add sexuality into the reading as well. Sexuality is a big debate in society, especially in that time period. I feel that this would make these two vampires, in particular, even more unique. With this being said, the "romance" in chapter 5 can also symbolize this breakthrough of outcast-hood.
**another example of this can be found on page 40, chapter 1.**
With the original Gilda being gone, it's as if the new Gilda has gradually become her. Bird, she has always been by both of their sides. Although to some, this may seem "weird", but in all reality, it's simply a close relationship that has found it's way to something more. In my opinion, I feel that the old Gilda is still somewhere alive inside of the new Gilda, and Bird loves both the old and new together.
Ultimately, we will have to see where this relationship leads, but at the time being, my opinion stands as is. I interpret this to be of a more special relationship and these two woman will have each other, happily, forever; literally.
-Courtney
Excellent observations and literary detective work here, Courtney! What we learn about Gilda and Bird later in the novel forces us to reconsider, as you point out, the relationship between the original Gilda and Bird from Chapter 1. Therefore, we have to ask ourselves: what is Gomez's purpose in introducing issues of sexuality into the story? It seems as though Gilda is an outcast in every sense of the term.
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