Discussion 4: Bad Intentions & Regret in the Early 20th Cent…

Please be sure to write at least 300 words this week and write about at least two of the three stories.

Cruelty and Spectacle in Meyrink’s “Man in the Bottle”

“Man in the Bottle” is sometimes called a conte cruel, which essentially means cruel tale, and it focuses on how cruelty can sometimes be seen as entertainment when presented as a spectacle. After the count is dropped into the bottle, the partygoers enjoy his torment and ultimate suffocation as though it’s production, and it’s not until they notice the lady in the sedan chair is the princess, gagged and tied, that they realize the truth of what has happened. Relate details of this story to a modern-day example of people (witnesses) watching something horrible happen without intervening (similar to the bystander effect).

Freeman’s Vampire?

Freeman’s Luella Miller does not actually suck blood; she is not immortal, nor does she exhibit any of the superhuman powers sometimes attributed to vampires. Nevertheless, she does seem to zap the life force from every person who attempts to care for her. She proves time and time again that she is utterly helpless and infantile, thus critics have sometimes suggested that this story is less about the supernatural and more a critique of the social structures of women during the late Victorian time period. Upper-class elite women were often encouraged to simply “be beautiful and consume.” Of course, this led to a generation of useless, helpless women, and the work still needed to be done (mostly by an army of servants and help). Therefore, critics have sometimes called Freeman a “Marxist Feminist,” suggesting that her notion of feminism dovetailed with the idea of marxism–“from each, according to his ability.” Clearly, Luella is able but also unwilling. So, what do you think Freeman is suggesting in relation to this idea of feminism? A critique of social classes? Is this a critique of gender roles and the Victorian ideal for women or is this simply a different type of vampire? (Need help? See “Blood Sucking Structures” in weekly module for further reading.)

Delusion or Reality?

In Wells’ “The Door in the Wall,” we hear Lionel Wallace’s story about finding a magical door in a wall as a child. Over the years, he disregards the opportunities to go through the door, choosing instead to continue with his education, career, etc. But, as he ages, he desperately seeks the door, desiring a return to the enchanted garden he experienced as a child. Is this a story of a delusional man? Is this a story about valuing and/or recapturing youth? Is this a story about regret and unmade choices? And, ultimately, do you believe the door really exists?