The Upward Appeal of Love: Sexuality in Will Eisner's A Contract with God Many genres of literature utilize the coming-of-age narrative when exploring growth of an individual, a community, or, even, humanity as a whole. In reminiscing upon the tenements of the Bronx in his childhood, Will Eisner presents his audience with a captivating glimpse into the lives of the downtrodden of 55 Dropsie Street. Discussing his childhood home, Eisner evokes the inevitable loss of innocence brought forth by the trials and tribulations of life. Even the sexual encounters Eisner recounts in his graphic novel have an overarching theme of displeasure and perverse curiosity. Although presented in four different, self-contained episodes, the stories show the struggle to leave the tenement and create a better life. This ideal, often achieved or destroyed by being physically
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The relationship revealed at the start of the episode reveals the commerce of sexuality with in the graphic novel. The street singer performs in alley ways to earn a living. In this particular instance the singer meets a woman who refers to herself as Diva Marta Maria. Claiming to have been a famous singer, she offers to make him a star. With this in mind, both parties have something to gain. Diva Marta Maria has sex with him and, in these few moments, lives vicariously through him, holding on to the promise of stardom. The singer does not give his name, nor explicit permission for this act-the sexual intercourse and the projection of stardom- to occur, however he wishes to gain the stardom that she promises. Seeking to escape their lives, Diva Marta Maria and the street singer use their sexuality to manipulate each other to benefit themselves. Following their encounter, the singer leaves with the intent to return the next day, however, his relationship during the evening becomes equally riddled with
The relationship revealed at the start of the episode reveals the commerce of sexuality with in the graphic novel. The street singer performs in alley ways to earn a living. In this particular instance the singer meets a woman who refers to herself as Diva Marta Maria. Claiming to have been a famous singer, she offers to make him a star. With this in mind, both parties have something to gain. Diva Marta Maria has sex with him and, in these few moments, lives vicariously through him, holding on to the promise of stardom. The singer does not give his name, nor explicit permission for this act-the sexual intercourse and the projection of stardom- to occur, however he wishes to gain the stardom that she promises. Seeking to escape their lives, Diva Marta Maria and the street singer use their sexuality to manipulate each other to benefit themselves. Following their encounter, the singer leaves with the intent to return the next day, however, his relationship during the evening becomes equally riddled with