Captivity
The narrative of “The Monkey” delves into the intricate theme of captivity, weaving a tale where freedom is at odds with confining forces. The story unfolds in a world shadowed by the overbearing weight of Christian morality and bourgeois expectations. Within this confinement, every character seeks a semblance of existence, yet remains ensnared by invisible chains. The women at the convent, for instance, find their lives limited to the echoes of past events or the trickle of news from the world beyond their walls. Their sanctuary doubles as a prison, where memories offer the only escape.
Pastor Rosenquist presents another portrait of captivity. Trapped in the despair of poverty, he clings to the belief that his virtuous life has earned him rewards in the afterlife, a form of spiritual captivity that binds him to a life of enduring hardship. Similarly, the count is a prisoner of his family’s legacy, unable to break free from the obligations that come with his noble name. His escape is found not in the present moment but in the verses of poetry, casting aside reality for a world he can control.
In contrast stand Boris and Athena, the youthful protagonists who embody the spirit of rebellion against such constraints. They strive to carve out their own paths, asserting their right to freedom. Despite their fervent attempts at liberation, they too eventually find themselves entangled in the complex web spun by societal expectations. Thus, in “The Monkey,” the struggle for freedom, juxtaposed against the forces of captivity, unfolds as a central theme, challenging each character’s capacity to transcend the limitations imposed upon them.
Freedom and Individuality
Boris revels in the unstructured and unpredictable aspects of life, drawn more to the dramatic and expressive than the everyday and routine. He finds inspiration in the constellation of The Great Bear, which, to him, symbolizes the importance of maintaining one's unique identity even amid the masses. However, his quest for personal freedom, most notably exemplified by his unconventional sexual escapades, ironically leads him into the very constraints he seeks to avoid. Despite his aspirations for liberty, Boris ultimately finds himself confined within the traditional bounds of marriage, illustrating the contradictions and complexities inherent in his pursuit of individuality.
Rebellion and Independence
Athena, named after the indomitable virgin goddess, epitomizes the spirit of a huntress—unstoppable and formidable. She shuns the notion of being ensnared by the conventions of marriage, particularly by Boris, her lackluster yet fanciful suitor. Unlike Boris, whose rebellious inclinations are tepid and wavering, Athena embodies a fierce commitment to independence, prioritizing the cause of the rebel over the prospect of losing her autonomy. Her unwavering dedication to personal freedom renders her a formidable challenge for the prioress, who seeks to bring her into the traditional fold of marriage.
Oppression and Escape
At the heart of the narrative, the prioress stands as a symbol of oppression under captivity's weight. Despite her outward dedication to austere duty, she craves an escape, enveloping herself in exotic and foreign items that surround her. The very wallpaper adorning her parlor speaks volumes of her longing—it depicts scenes of Oriental sensuousness and mystery, conjuring a world far removed from her cloistered existence. Such is her yearning for freedom that she takes the extraordinary step of exchanging identities with her monkey, seizing the opportunity to flee the confines of the convent. In this bold transformation, she embraces a life of untamed abandon in the forest, a stark contrast to her previous life of restraint and duty.
Manipulation and Control
Isak Dinesen's tale, "The Dreamers," features Pellegrina, who indulges in the freedom of not confining herself to a single identity. This theme of...
(This entire section contains 169 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
fluid identity carries over into Dinesen's story "The Monkey," where the interplay of personalities becomes even more complex. In this narrative, the prioress and her monkey engage in a curious switch of roles, reminiscent of the ancient Wendish idol representing dual aspects of love, with the contrasting faces of a woman and a monkey.
The prioress, initially perceived by Boris as a figure of mercy akin to Kwan Yin, reveals herself to be anything but compassionate. Instead, she emerges as a masterful manipulator, deriving satisfaction from ensnaring others into her schemes. Through her, Dinesen crafts a portrait of control masked by a facade of piety, a theme underscored by the prioress's ability to orchestrate the entrapment of Boris and Athena. The story thus explores the duality of appearance versus reality, and the ease with which one can assume and shed identities to exert influence over others.