Analysis
Hortense Calisher, an acclaimed writer renowned for her intricate storytelling and perceptive psychological insights, has been likened to literary luminaries such as Henry James, Gustave Flaubert, and Marcel Proust. Her work is characterized by its brevity and the profound emotional impact that she manages to convey within those constraints. Through her narratives, Calisher explores themes of identity, existential choice, and the human need for connection, often against a backdrop of psychological complexity.
Calisher's Literary Themes and Motifs
Calisher's stories frequently delve into the "middle ground" of the ordinary rather than the bizarre, showcasing characters who are often observers of life's mysteries. Her narratives are imbued with existential themes that explore the choices and commitments individuals make in their quest for self-definition and meaning. This thematic focus extends to her portrayal of phenomenological experiences, where singular moments unfold into a plethora of perspectives and realities, reminiscent of Edmund Husserl’s notion of the phenomenological epoch.
Thematically, Calisher's stories often emphasize the necessity of human bonds—whether through appreciation, empathy, or love—as a counterbalance to life's inherent emptiness and alienation. Her writing suggests a progression toward understanding and reconciliation, insights that are communicated through a poetic mastery of language and imagery. Furthermore, she examines the power of illusions in everyday life and the inevitable clash with stark reality, providing a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human experiences and relationships, particularly from the perspective of women.
"In Greenwich There Are Many Gravelled Walks"
One of Calisher's most celebrated stories, "In Greenwich There Are Many Gravelled Walks," serves as a poignant exploration of bonding and insight amidst psychological suffering and the fragmented nature of modern life. The narrative follows Peter Birge, who, after taking his mother to a sanatorium, returns to an empty apartment, overwhelmed by the solitude that confronts him. Peter’s savings, intended for a trip abroad, have been consumed by his mother's psychiatric needs, leaving him disheartened and isolated. As he reflects on their morning journey to the sanatorium, he perceives the dissonance between outward appearances and the realities they conceal.
Peter's estrangement from his mother becomes apparent as he contemplates her life in Greenwich, where fantasy and illusion have supplanted reality. Unlike others who share a communal sense of life's potential, Peter confronts the harsh truths of existence in solitude. His subsequent visit to his friend Robert Vielum, a figure surrounded by youthful admirers, highlights the superficial charm that masks deeper emotional voids. The unfolding events, including a tragic suicide within Robert's circle, shatter the veneer of indifference, prompting Peter toward a newfound empathy and connection with Robert's daughter, Susan. Together, they form a bond grounded in shared disillusionment and the hope of navigating life's complexities with mutual understanding and care.
"If You Don’t Want to Live I Can’t Help You"
Calisher's story, "If You Don’t Want to Live I Can’t Help You," further critiques the squandering of emotional and existential potential. The tale centers on Professor Mary Ponthus, who, on the day she is to receive an honorary doctorate, visits her nephew Paul, a man ensnared by dissipation and disease. Paul's life, marked by idleness and an unwillingness to confront his tuberculosis, stands in stark contrast to the vibrant possibilities Mary witnesses in the young college graduates around her.
The story underscores the existential divide between those who actively engage with life and those who must be dragged into it. Mary faces a moral quandary as she considers sacrificing her plans to care for Paul, whose manipulative tendencies have alienated his lover and left him in a state of neglect. Her introspective journey is catalyzed by a young graduate student whose...
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potential reignites her faith in the human spirit. Calisher poignantly captures the complexity of human existence, asserting that while life is shrouded in darkness, those who choose to live with courage and dignity illuminate the path for others.
"The Middle Drawer"
In "The Middle Drawer," Calisher returns to themes of familial conflict and resolution through compassion. The story, which draws from Calisher's own life, unfolds as Hester, following her mother Hedwig's death, prepares to examine her mother's personal effects. The middle drawer symbolizes the emotional and psychological terrain Hester navigates as she reflects on their fraught relationship, marred by failed communication.
Hester’s memories of the drawer reveal a lifetime of gradual discovery, each artifact therein a testament to her mother’s complex history. A photograph of Hedwig as a child bespeaks a legacy of emotional reserve and survival amidst adversity. This emotional reticence had created a barrier between mother and daughter, leaving Hester burdened by a desire for her mother’s approval.
The narrative reaches a poignant apex when Hester, confronted with her mother’s vulnerability post-surgery, transcends their history of mutual hurt. In a moment of profound empathy, she comes to understand her mother’s strength and her own, gleaning from their shared scars a resilience forged by life's trials. Though the story ends with the acknowledgment of enduring scars, it also affirms the power of compassion to transform relationships.
The Novellas of Hortense Calisher
Calisher's novella collection, released in 1997, showcases a breadth of narratives that include previously unpublished work alongside earlier pieces. Her introduction to the collection offers a unique perspective on the novella’s form, emphasizing its completeness despite brevity.
Among these stories, "Tale for the Mirror" examines cultural and ethnic misunderstandings within a New York suburban enclave. The narrative weaves irony and mystery around Dr. Bhatta, whose eccentric presence and entourage challenge the insular community. "Extreme Magic" explores themes of loss and redemption, as Guy Callendar rebuilds his life after personal tragedy. "The Railway Police" follows an heiress who, shedding her false persona, chooses a life of anonymity and altruism. Meanwhile, "Saratoga, Hot" and "The Man Who Spat Silver" continue Calisher's exploration of human obsessions and solitude.
Calisher’s novellas, much like her short stories, navigate the intricacies of human relationships, societal norms, and existential reflections. Despite the complexities of her prose, her works succeed in capturing "an apocalypse in a very small cup," inviting readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human experience and the enduring quest for understanding and connection.