American Dreamer Relationships
The large capacity for socialization and networking within the human species allows for the formation, evolution, and destruction of many relationships over a lifetime. The basis of human relationships consists of various elements, including, but not limited to physical, mental, and emotional attraction. A balance between all these elements within a relationship can only strengthen and possibly prolong its duration; however, relationships based on superficial attractions have a weak foundation and a greater chance of termination. A relationship only fulfilling one of these elements can be seen in the novel, Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer, by Steven Millhauser, and provides a good example of a relationship based on superficial
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When Martin is first introduced to Caroline Vernon in the Bellingham Hotel, he quickly notes her “small and almost childish features, especially her little girl’s nose” (Millhauser 78). Martin immediately makes these mental remarks about Caroline and begins to develop a persona for her, which only grows as the relationship develops. Further into the novel, but prior to Martin and Caroline’s marriage, Martin again describes Caroline “as if she were a little girl lost in a blue-green forest” (89). It is clear that Martin views Caroline as childish and child-like, whether describing her physical features or her actions. This adult-child dynamic between adults can cause turmoil within a relationship, as one partner feels superior to the other. This dynamic can also be seen after Martin and Caroline are married, when on their wedding night Martin describes Caroline “in her white nightdress…she looked to him like a little girl, a sullen mischievous little girl” (156). Obviously, Martin has taken the role of “adult” in this relationship where Caroline is perceived as young, innocent, and under his control. An interaction between Martin and Caroline that further illustrates this point is when he is “stroking her hair, and now there came to him looming out of nowhere, the face of little Alice Bell…but already he could feel desire rising in him” (160). A previous relationship of Martin’s sparks his memory as he sensually caresses Caroline, which would not be as disturbing if the memory was not of a ten-year-old girl. Martin has developed a persona of Caroline in his mind, which takes on the form of a child. This reoccurring theme of Caroline representing a child demonstrates Martin’s superiority complex, as children can be easily manipulated and dominated over. Caroline is also submissive and passive, which only allows Martin to gain greater
When Martin is first introduced to Caroline Vernon in the Bellingham Hotel, he quickly notes her “small and almost childish features, especially her little girl’s nose” (Millhauser 78). Martin immediately makes these mental remarks about Caroline and begins to develop a persona for her, which only grows as the relationship develops. Further into the novel, but prior to Martin and Caroline’s marriage, Martin again describes Caroline “as if she were a little girl lost in a blue-green forest” (89). It is clear that Martin views Caroline as childish and child-like, whether describing her physical features or her actions. This adult-child dynamic between adults can cause turmoil within a relationship, as one partner feels superior to the other. This dynamic can also be seen after Martin and Caroline are married, when on their wedding night Martin describes Caroline “in her white nightdress…she looked to him like a little girl, a sullen mischievous little girl” (156). Obviously, Martin has taken the role of “adult” in this relationship where Caroline is perceived as young, innocent, and under his control. An interaction between Martin and Caroline that further illustrates this point is when he is “stroking her hair, and now there came to him looming out of nowhere, the face of little Alice Bell…but already he could feel desire rising in him” (160). A previous relationship of Martin’s sparks his memory as he sensually caresses Caroline, which would not be as disturbing if the memory was not of a ten-year-old girl. Martin has developed a persona of Caroline in his mind, which takes on the form of a child. This reoccurring theme of Caroline representing a child demonstrates Martin’s superiority complex, as children can be easily manipulated and dominated over. Caroline is also submissive and passive, which only allows Martin to gain greater