Middlesex, is a novel by Jeffery Eugenides that discusses the trials and tribulations of a girl named Calliope, who was born a hermaphrodite. I have been thoroughly enjoying this novel, because Eugenides does not simply tell the story of Calliope, but he alternates between the past, present and future to show how the genetic mutation developed, and how it affected Calliope throughout her adolescence and into her/ his adulthood. What I enjoy most about the novel is the way that Eugenides narrates the story. He describes Calliope’s life in stages and gives a multitude of historical background so you can actually feel the passing of time. For example, every year of Calliopes young life is marked by a new Cadillac, which not only indicates the time period, but symbolizes the changes in society and the changes occurring in Calliope. The historical background not only creates a reference point in time, but also makes the novel more interesting and enjoyable. One of my favorite parts in the reading this week was the description of the Detroit race riots. My perception of the 1967 race riots has been shaped by what I’ve read in textbooks, and Eugenides description of the event was shocking and eye opening. I had no idea that the riots were less like a demonstration and more like a “guerilla war.” Eugenides description made me think about everything I’ve ever read in textbooks and wonder how much is reality and how much is warped by the government and the media.
One of the most obvious symbols in the novel is the Stephanides’ house, on Middlesex Boulevard, which symbolizes Calliope. The house is awkward and different from all the other houses in the neighborhood. “Middlesex! Did anybody ever live in a house as strange. As sci–fi?” (p. 258) Just like the house, Calliope’s hermaphroditism is considered strange and abnormal. Calliope is not a conventional girl and she does not fit into society, the way that the house does not fit into the neighborhood. The street name alone characterizes Calliope, in the middle, between a male and a female.
In book three Eugenides discusses Calliope’s transition into high school and the troubles she faced in understanding her physical transformations and fitting into society. As a child, Calliope appearance was very unique and appealing. “No single freature was right in itself and yet, when they were taken all together, something captivating emerged.” (p.218) But as she grew up, Calliope began to develop male secondary sex characteristics and exhibit masculine features. She was five foot ten, and had a flat chest and a deep voice. Calliope struggled to find a group of friends and constantly felt like and outsider. She created a hierachry in her mind in which the “charm bracelets” were at the top and she was at the bottom. The “charm bracelets” were the girls who were beautiful, preppy and popular. They were the stereotypical rich, stuck up girls, who were idolized by every other student. Calliope considered the “charm bracelets” to be a completely different species and she knew she would never fit into their group. In school, Calliope struggled with little things that many people take for granted, like changing in the locker room. Not only did she have to deal with her obvious physical differences but also the confusion that arouse from the absence of female secondary sex characteristics and her intimate feelings toward other women.
One of the most obvious symbols in the novel is the Stephanides’ house, on Middlesex Boulevard, which symbolizes Calliope. The house is awkward and different from all the other houses in the neighborhood. “Middlesex! Did anybody ever live in a house as strange. As sci–fi?” (p. 258) Just like the house, Calliope’s hermaphroditism is considered strange and abnormal. Calliope is not a conventional girl and she does not fit into society, the way that the house does not fit into the neighborhood. The street name alone characterizes Calliope, in the middle, between a male and a female.
In book three Eugenides discusses Calliope’s transition into high school and the troubles she faced in understanding her physical transformations and fitting into society. As a child, Calliope appearance was very unique and appealing. “No single freature was right in itself and yet, when they were taken all together, something captivating emerged.” (p.218) But as she grew up, Calliope began to develop male secondary sex characteristics and exhibit masculine features. She was five foot ten, and had a flat chest and a deep voice. Calliope struggled to find a group of friends and constantly felt like and outsider. She created a hierachry in her mind in which the “charm bracelets” were at the top and she was at the bottom. The “charm bracelets” were the girls who were beautiful, preppy and popular. They were the stereotypical rich, stuck up girls, who were idolized by every other student. Calliope considered the “charm bracelets” to be a completely different species and she knew she would never fit into their group. In school, Calliope struggled with little things that many people take for granted, like changing in the locker room. Not only did she have to deal with her obvious physical differences but also the confusion that arouse from the absence of female secondary sex characteristics and her intimate feelings toward other women.
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