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Dread
Jul 18, 2024 19:02:59 GMT
Post by gillianlaird on Jul 18, 2024 19:02:59 GMT
Maria is a very interesting character, and I think she is my favorite we have read so far. Her life seems to be heading for this downward spiral, yet she does nothing to stop it. She seems to just accept it and do things that exacerbate her downfall. In my research on this book I have learned that Didion's goal seemed to be to show the realities of what it means to be a woman in film industry/Hollywood. I also think there is a recurring theme of Dread throughout the novel, because Maria appears to have accepted her fate and does nothing to stop it. What is everyone else's take?
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Dread
Jul 19, 2024 13:43:25 GMT
Post by jarelyrebollar on Jul 19, 2024 13:43:25 GMT
I also like how Joan Didion paints a stark picture of the Hollywood lifestyle and its impact on women, particularly those like Maria, who become trapped in its superficial and often destructive culture. The recurring theme of dread is palpable throughout the novel, and Maria’s sense of inevitability contributes to this atmosphere. Her actions, or lack thereof, reflect a deep existential despair, mirroring the chaotic and uncontrollable nature of the world around her. The resignation to fate, coupled with her self-destructive behavior, highlights the pervasive sense of alienation and disillusionment that Didion explores. Honestly, Didion wrote a very compelling character with Maria and her passive acceptance. Her fate is both mesmerizing and tragic.
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Dread
Jul 19, 2024 13:45:40 GMT
Post by shelbygraham on Jul 19, 2024 13:45:40 GMT
I agree, she does nothing to stop her spiraling. But I think that is hard for someone when they are so deep into a depression, which I don't think the novel outright says she's depressed, but it's implied. I also noticed no one in her life really helps her, despite recognizing her mental state. They mostly just point out to her that she can't take care of herself and has lost her sense of humor. It's like they are expressing their concern but somehow ignoring it at the same time. Carter does invite her to the desert to keep an eye on her, but he only continues to emotionally abuse her and not attempt to make the situation better. She has little to no support from her friends as well as no motivation and support for herself.
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Dread
Jul 22, 2024 19:56:29 GMT
Post by gillianlaird on Jul 22, 2024 19:56:29 GMT
I agree, she does nothing to stop her spiraling. But I think that is hard for someone when they are so deep into a depression, which I don't think the novel outright says she's depressed, but it's implied. I also noticed no one in her life really helps her, despite recognizing her mental state. They mostly just point out to her that she can't take care of herself and has lost her sense of humor. It's like they are expressing their concern but somehow ignoring it at the same time. Carter does invite her to the desert to keep an eye on her, but he only continues to emotionally abuse her and not attempt to make the situation better. She has little to no support from her friends as well as no motivation and support for herself. To piggyback off of what Jarely said in the reply above yours, I think that the environment these characters are in have a lot to do with their behavior. Maria, Carter, BZ, Helene, etc. are all entrenched in this Hollywood haze, where the women are treated as expiring objects (something we see Maria experience and Helene running from) and the men are treated like kings for their "artistic vision." Furthermore, everyone (except Maria, honestly) seems to be very concerned with their image in one or another; this could be the true driving force behind Carter's actions to invite Maria to the desert to "keep an eye on her."
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Dread
Jul 23, 2024 1:44:40 GMT
Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jul 23, 2024 1:44:40 GMT
A lot of this has to do with her status as an actress and an object of desire--- specifically, as someone who has been exhibited over and over for the viewing pleasure of others. I forget which character it is, but someone has the rough cut of a film starring Maria in his solo possession. Apparent he watches it repeatedly and invites others over for a private show. Maria has no control over the film, or the exhibition, and apparently it's somewhat of a racy film, if I'm reading that passage right.
We also see the men (namely Carter) seek to control Maria's reproductive capability by forcing her to have an abortion-- he threatens her with a divorce that would be her fault otherwise. And of course Maria's child, Kate, has been taken from her and institutionalized in a place where she doesn't always have visiting privileges.
So, I'm not sure I'd call Maria passive, necessarily. It just seems that the more she struggles the tighter she's bound... pretty much in a straightjacket!
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Dread
Jul 23, 2024 15:07:02 GMT
Post by shelbygraham on Jul 23, 2024 15:07:02 GMT
I agree, she does nothing to stop her spiraling. But I think that is hard for someone when they are so deep into a depression, which I don't think the novel outright says she's depressed, but it's implied. I also noticed no one in her life really helps her, despite recognizing her mental state. They mostly just point out to her that she can't take care of herself and has lost her sense of humor. It's like they are expressing their concern but somehow ignoring it at the same time. Carter does invite her to the desert to keep an eye on her, but he only continues to emotionally abuse her and not attempt to make the situation better. She has little to no support from her friends as well as no motivation and support for herself. To piggyback off of what Jarely said in the reply above yours, I think that the environment these characters are in have a lot to do with their behavior. Maria, Carter, BZ, Helene, etc. are all entrenched in this Hollywood haze, where the women are treated as expiring objects (something we see Maria experience and Helene running from) and the men are treated like kings for their "artistic vision." Furthermore, everyone (except Maria, honestly) seems to be very concerned with their image in one or another; this could be the true driving force behind Carter's actions to invite Maria to the desert to "keep an eye on her." That's a good point I didn't think of. Carter was probably more driven by his image by inviting her to the desert than his concern for her. I think that may be one major difference between Maria and the others, like you've mentioned. She isn't motivated by what others think about her. The people around her express their concern for her based on her actions they observe; she knows this but continues to make the same choices.
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Dread
Jul 23, 2024 20:48:02 GMT
Post by garrison on Jul 23, 2024 20:48:02 GMT
The idea of dread is overwhelming with Maria. Initially I think she does try to fight back with life, if not for her then for Kate. But it seems like she continues to get kicked down with every attempt. This cycle of pain and failure after pain and failure is too much for practically anyone to endure. It honestly seemed like life numbed her to a point where "why?" and "why not?" basically meant the same thing.
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