Nostalgia is an extremely prominent theme in The Mezzanine. In fact, without Howie reflecting upon his memories, the book would be quite bland. Many of the interesting observations Howie makes on his trip to the top of the building would be without context, leaving readers less invested in the character and the significance of his thoughts. For example, on pages 27-28, Howie makes a connection between the doorknob he is inspecting, to his father and his habit of draping ties over doorknobs. What started as an expression of his dislike towards modern door knobs, turned into a reminiscence of the door knobs he grew up with, and then his fathers ties, which leads Howie to look back on a thanksgiving event when his father complimented his tie. This scene shows readers a lot about Howie’s character. It follows the theme of Howie going on long rants. It shows his deep attention to detail as well as his obsession with mechanisms and making things work most effectively. But it also shows a slightly different side of him. The way he thinks about his childhood in an almost longing way shows a possible loneliness and nostalgia for his parents.
The moment also reveals the small child-like part left of him. While he seems at first very analytical and possibly a little robotic, there are small instances when he seems like a child playing at adult, “I spotted what had been my tie hanging over a door knob in the midst of all the ties he had bought himself, and it fit right in, it fit right in!” (Baker 28). He says after discovering a tie he swapped with his father at a thanksgiving dinner. His excitement over his tie seeming to belong with his father’s reminds me of a small child dressing in their parents clothes or for example, myself as a child trying to replicate my elder sister’s hairstyles on my own head. While this is only one instance of nostalgia making it’s way into the narration, there are many occasions where the author is reminded of his past. I would argue that these scenes are the most instrumental in the way the author makes Howie a more relatable character. By showing readers Howie’s nostalgic thoughts, where he seems a little more relatable than his more methodical side, which can seem a little confusing to many readers I presume, the author helps to make a deeper connection with readers that creates both a more interesting story line and greater character-reader relationship.
I really like your point about Howie being robotic without having these memories and nostalgia incorporated into the book. That is after all how I believe Baker is trying to portray Howie as looking from the outside, just another robotic office worker doing his job. However, in reality in part through his nostalgia we get a really good idea of the complex character underneath that shell.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the book would have been really boring without Howie revealing his memories. It does make the book a lot more relatable because you can see how Howie is reminded of his past throughout his day, just like everyone else. It's interesting how much we can learn about Howie through his memories, but at the same time we don't even know where he works or his girlfriend's name.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how the nostalgic moments that Howie recalls makes him a more relatable character. It also shapes how readers see him and shows his true personality. All of the points you touched upon in your post are well supported and well thought out!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. I definitely agree with your points. I think it is the basis of many things he does, childhood being a time in peoples lives where being overly observant is common.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I definetely agree that the nostalgic points of the story contrast well against the methodical side of Howie. I think these nostalgic points also hint at the the more childlike side of Howie's personality. Howie is an adult who isn't fully ready to part with his childhood. He finds joy in things that most people wouldn't consider suitable for his age. These can be seen in the repeating parts of the story where you catch Howie reminiscing his childhood as a way to justify his childish interests.
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