Fleshly Love Analysis

Ramona succeeds in helping Herzog heal his broken heart and confused mind with “fleshly love” (Pradhan 75), Ramona’s self-acceptance, as Cohen argues, is the embodiment of Herzog’s desire of coming to terms with himself (Cohen 2004: 8). In addition, she is characterized by sincerity, as she offers Herzog no lies – her words are confirmed by her actions. Further still, she helps Herzog by turning his attention to life’s basics: sensual pleasures (touch and body), natural phenomena (flowers and smells) and everyday activities (meals, caretaking, conversation). Partly owing to Ramona, Herzog appears to regain stability through centering his attention on the simplest aspects of life. Moreover, he imagines what kind of mother Ramona would make (161) and he generally admires the value that she attaches to family feeling: “Still, Herzog observed that Ramona had genuine family feeling, and of this he approved” (153). Family, …show more content…
She needed extraordinary courage to hold this poise. In this world, to be a woman who took matters into her own hands?” (337). Besides her perfect body and unusual sexual skills, Herzog perceives important values in her: courage and independence, which he himself is in great need of. In summary, Ramona’s role should not be reduced to that of a “sexual professional (or priestess)” (17), because, as the novel progresses, aside from finding pleasure in her body, fragrance and touch, Herzog confides in Ramona, seeks comfort in her company, conducts ordinary activities with her, appreciates her familial instinct and ultimately learns to accept his mismanaged life. At the conclusion of the story, Herzog invites Ramona to his house in Ludeyville for dinner and, following her example, picks flowers, because he knows she is fond of them. The performance of simple activities, some of which Ramona has taught him, proves vital to achieving peace of mind. Ramona’s truthful character contrasts with other protagonists’ false