The Old Gringo

 The Old Gringo 


Although this style of book is not usually one i’d reach for, I will say I enjoyed it. I had mixed feelings while reading it’s description as I wasn’t sure if i would be interested in the story or be able to follow. Once I began reading I found the almost poetic way of writing very pleasing to read and once the story began to unfold I was very interested to read all the way through. 


As this book is considered the closest to a “romance” that I have picked to read during my contract, I was very surprised at the romance that was included in this book. I was very confused and taken back by the interesting relationship The Old Gringo and Harriet had. I could not tell what was going to happen, whether they would end up as a father - daughter relationship or if it would turn more romantic. once reading on, I began to realize it is a bit of both. Although these changes of dynamics happened so quick it was hard for me to even notice at times. As I was reading I saw them more as lovers but the father - daughter relationship was definitely an interesting change to thatl. 


One thing I did not notice while reading was the use of repetition. After reading the book I watched the lecture and then the aspect of repetition in this book became apparent to me, even though it is very obvious from the start. I was reading this book and indulging in the content not so much the other parts. But once discovering this thought, it made sense. another reoccurring theme that is worth mentioning is the idea of memory, which was also mentioned in the lecture and I definitely also noticed myself while reading. As I saw someone mention, this book along with others does associate memories with negativity, which i found in this book as well. One little thing I did really like was how the first line on the novel is the same as the last. 


As for my question for this week, What did you think of the romance between The Old Gringo and Harriet? Did you see them more as a father - daughter relationship or more as lovers? I’m curious to know as I was torn between the two. 

Comments

  1. TiffaniMarch 15, 2022 at 4:32 PM

    Hey Sidney,

    I found an interesting contrast between the father-daughter relationship with Agostino's mother-son relationship (from another reading from this course). While this one consists of romantic/parental feelings, Agostino's was sexual/parental feelings. I think that romantic and parental feelings seems less inappropriate (not that either are appropriate) because the feeling of safety and security that a father figure should often provide can be replicated in the safety and security that a husband/lover often provides. I do believe that it was a father-daughter relationship that was mistaken for romance, though I'm eager to hear what others think!

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  2. TierraMarch 16, 2022 at 1:11 PM

    I also didn't know what to think of the old gringo's relationship with Harriet. I thought it seemed quite romantic from the beginning but that felt sort of uncomfortable to me. As is the case for most of the books we're reading from this time-period, there's an element of sexism in the narration surrounding Harriet which always bothers me.

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  3. allie frankMarch 16, 2022 at 10:58 PM

    Hey Sidney,
    I didn't really clue into the fact that many of the memories that are referred to in this novel are negative; now that I think about it, I actually see that more clearly. To discuss your question, I had a difficult time distinguishing them within the 2 potential dynamics (romantics or father-daughters). I saw a bit more father-daughter relationship between the old gringo and Harriet, but part of me thinks that I see that more because that is what I prefer to see from them. In my opinion, I like how that dynamic suits the two of them, but I can understand where people may disagree when I say that:)

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    Replies
    1. allie frankMarch 16, 2022 at 10:59 PM

      Okay this is also unrelated to my comment's content, but this blog comment was written by Abigail Franceschetti. Idk why it says that my name is Allie Frank lol (apologies about that).

      Delete
  4. David PeckhamMarch 17, 2022 at 2:17 AM

    Hi Sidney,
    To discuss your question I feel that Winslow loves Pierce but is unsure of what kind of love herself. I think that she is attracted to Pierce, because he reminds her of her father that abandoned her when she was quite young. I believe that this lingering lack of paternal love is the only type of love that Winslow has, so she naturally looks to Pierce in a romantic way. They also share vary common interests and goals in life for the pursuit of the arts and literature, as well as similar ideas of liberty.

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