Chapter 6
Chapter 6 reveals a good deal of detail and nuance about Miles, Janine, Tick and
David, while continuing to weave the intricate tapestry that is Empire Falls. Tick hates her step 0father to be and refuses to dine with him. She comes to the Grill on Thursday nights when her mother is busy at the Silver Fox's fitness club. Tick would much prefer to live with her father, viewing her mother's relationship with the Fox as rather vacuous. It is also clear that Janine has some lingering feelings, if not for Miles, at least for their relationship. In this and past chapters, much has been made of both
Janine's new sexuality, and her former obesity. Janine is critical of Miles' poor sexual performance, but does not seem to have considered the …show more content…
Russo has already established Martha's Vineyard as something of a Xanadu for his characters from Empire Falls. Russo codifies that notion in Chapter 8 with this blast from Miles' past. The astute reader may suspect that the mysterious Mr. Mayne is none other than C.B. Whiting. Charlie's visage is described as "sad" although he is generally portrayed as cheerful, polite and wise. The manner in which Mr. Russo unveils the affair Grace is having with Mr. Mayne is artful in the extreme; it is never stated, but becomes known through metaphor and symbolism. It is not erotic, yet is somewhat tainted with taboo as Miles' accidentally glimpses his mother's pubis-an event that marks the end of innocence for mother and son alike. The poison ivy is a metaphor for misery, leading to at least momentary pleasure and happiness when it is
"scratched to an ecstasy" that also draws blood. The appearance of itchy patches on both mother and son represent the discomfort that accompanies a new sense of adventure and freedom and become subtly seductive when they appear on Grace's upper thigh. Grace's affair with Mr. Mayne is confirmed when he scratches his forearm, interrupting his endless waving to the ferry as it-and his hopes of
Chapter 6 reveals a good deal of detail and nuance about Miles, Janine, Tick and
David, while continuing to weave the intricate tapestry that is Empire Falls. Tick hates her step 0father to be and refuses to dine with him. She comes to the Grill on Thursday nights when her mother is busy at the Silver Fox's fitness club. Tick would much prefer to live with her father, viewing her mother's relationship with the Fox as rather vacuous. It is also clear that Janine has some lingering feelings, if not for Miles, at least for their relationship. In this and past chapters, much has been made of both
Janine's new sexuality, and her former obesity. Janine is critical of Miles' poor sexual performance, but does not seem to have considered the …show more content…
Russo has already established Martha's Vineyard as something of a Xanadu for his characters from Empire Falls. Russo codifies that notion in Chapter 8 with this blast from Miles' past. The astute reader may suspect that the mysterious Mr. Mayne is none other than C.B. Whiting. Charlie's visage is described as "sad" although he is generally portrayed as cheerful, polite and wise. The manner in which Mr. Russo unveils the affair Grace is having with Mr. Mayne is artful in the extreme; it is never stated, but becomes known through metaphor and symbolism. It is not erotic, yet is somewhat tainted with taboo as Miles' accidentally glimpses his mother's pubis-an event that marks the end of innocence for mother and son alike. The poison ivy is a metaphor for misery, leading to at least momentary pleasure and happiness when it is
"scratched to an ecstasy" that also draws blood. The appearance of itchy patches on both mother and son represent the discomfort that accompanies a new sense of adventure and freedom and become subtly seductive when they appear on Grace's upper thigh. Grace's affair with Mr. Mayne is confirmed when he scratches his forearm, interrupting his endless waving to the ferry as it-and his hopes of