Gertrude has lost her love (her husband) and no longer has any purpose or power, so she searches for power elsewhere. She does this through the dominance she has over men through prostitution and selling liquor.
"She calls but the voice that was once so sweet has a new quality in it, the quality of the laughter that he heard in the house. She is revealing herself to him" (30).
"A spark of life comes into her. She must do something, she cannot keep so silent. She tells him she was not guilty. There was some other woman" (30).
"She looks at him with eyes of distress, and his heart quickens with hope. I am a bad woman, my brother. I am no woman to go back"(31).
Gertrude is like a lost puppy.
I think this is a unique insight, and gives more depth into Gertrude's character who can seem kind of helpless.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting on how you compared Gertrude to a lost puppy. I somewhat agree with that because of the recent choices she has been making in her life.
ReplyDeleteGood quotes
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting light to shine of Gertrude's character because she is not portrayed as this sort of person. Good out-of-the-box thinking.
ReplyDeletehow does she have dominance over then men she has sex with if they are paying for it and don't really love her?
ReplyDeleteBut does she think that she holds power over them, or does she just think that she's doing what has to be done and degrading herself while doing it?
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ReplyDeleteWhat do you think would have happened to Gertrude if she was unable to find another outlet to feel powerful?
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting comparison being that she is a grown woman who is expected to have their life in order and be confident within herself whereas a lost puppy is vulnerable and unknowing.
ReplyDeleteYour point about Gertrudes search for power and money was very interesting but, Once she did not find her husband, why did she not just go and send a message back to Reverend Kumalo?
ReplyDeleteI think the quotes you chose are very interesting. Taken out of the story and really analysed, they show the interesting side of her personality that we cannot see within the book.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Gertrude is justified in her desire for more power through immoral means?
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