Blog 5

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One particular scene that I want to discuss regards the cleaning of the maggot-infested pot. I feel that within the first half of the book, this scene embodies some of the teen/coming-of-age dynamics that embody this book. Through the dynamics around the distribution of labor and the unwillingness to fully cooperate on chores, we see a divergence between Benji and Reggie...

The first aspect is the concept of dibs— in the text, it was mentioned that the previous system that characterized their childhood was "even Stephen". Benji acknowledges the quasi-passing of this system and the fraternity between him and Reggie: "[a]s former twins, Reggie and I were driven by the fear of being shortchanged" (Whitehead, 73). The identities of each brother have diverged along with their childhood; their similarities acquiesced and the differences emerged more clearly.

Moreover, the "drifting-apart-ness" is furthered in the idea of "Thou Shalt Not Clean Thy Brother's Soup Pot"— my belief is that the clearer demarcation of responsibility further demonstrates that the two brothers aren't necessarily "there" for each other, something that I feel would be somewhat related to the coming-of-age theme. However, when it comes time for the two to clean the maggot-filled soup pot, there is a transgression of the rules. Usually, there is some sort of impetus to clean out the sink but in their shared investigation top find the source of the stench, they cooperate. When they find the source of the smell, neither brother admits wrongdoing and from their shared reaction, Benji acknowledges them to be brothers again and their relationship seems to grow closer as they once again return to the cooperative system. 

I think there is an interesting facet of this dynamic relationship that is embodied best in this scene— the divergence and convergence symbolize the stormy and uncertain relationships during puberty. 

Comments

  1. Xenia MongwaMay 26, 2023 at 4:39 PM

    Interesting post! I feel that as siblings mature and try to find themselves, their values change as they become more independent, but they eventually figure out cooperate with each other in their own ways. I definitely see this with my siblings and I, who are still trying to become more independent.

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