| Chapter 07
Into the world of work spins Mother
Dressed in a bright white nurse's uniform with her little cap and spotless shoes
that were religiously coated every evening at dusk with Sani-White shoe polish,
she hastened toward the train.
How easy it would have been for her to take the car and park it near the station,
but Mother would hear none of that, for she was carefully monitoring her weight
and much in need of the exercise. A brief appearance at the In & Out Shop for a
coffee and the morning paper was always in order for the day. Then it was down
the old concrete staircase. Once there, she would stand behind the yellow line
on the stations platform with other passengers of the day, silently congregating.
Gazing at her old Movado wristwatch, the time read 6:40.
Two & a Half - Suburban early morning station
She would have dipped into her purse for a cigarette had she not quit three years
ago. Ah, yes, those Benson & Hedges I remember so well. What a terrible fixation
it was, and that damn smoke was everywhere. Puffing away like a fiend at the drop
of a hat for no reason but to fulfill an addiction. Every time she reached for a
cigarette, I would cringe. Whenever she lit one up, I would feel the onset of nausea.
If it was cold out, light a cigarette. If she ate too much, she'd light a cigarette.
If an electrical fire had started in the basement, I'm pretty sure; that before she
began looking for ways of exiting the bedroom, she would be clutching a pack
of those minty-smelling, cancer-causing little marvels.
When I was growing up, she had a systematic way of doing things. There was seldom any
change to the usual method of these habits, and so, I came to the conclusion that they were
devised to torture me. On several occasions, a feeling of seasickness overtook me, and I had no
other choice than to throw up in the car. That was because whenever my mother lit a cigarette, the
windows would either be shut tight or rolled down only about an inch. Must've been some kind of
groovy fad they had going on back then in the early seventies because everyone was doing it.
If I'm not mistaken, the name of the game was called, “kill the person you're with.”
Steve Purdy and The Studs - The Weed
Often, I would try to imagine what Mother would look like in forty years if she continued
down the path she was headed. And in the back of my mind, the image was always the same.
Around the bend, she could hear the train approaching.
As it slowed to a screeching halt where other citizens of the morning stood,
the doors slid open. Mother wasted no time finding a place to sit.
One by one, they got on, and everyone found their respective seats. How unlucky were the
people at the New Dorp station who seldom ever got a seat. There, some chose to wait for the
express train. “Please step away from the closing doors,” said the conductor in a refreshing
voice that was interpreted by the intercom as “pzistst sheb avray rhum tde crosching draws.”
Then the bell sounded, and the doors slid closed.
Only then did the train slowly begin to pull away from the station. As each stop welcomed more
passengers who boarded. Some wandered on as if in a robotic trance, while others accepted their
chore of duty with affluent grace. There were even a few straphangers who appeared so miserable
that Mother thought they might be happier standing in front of the train than on it. Overall, the
ride usually took about fifteen minutes. But today, it would be about twenty.
Before long, Mother would be arriving at her destination.
Getting off in Clifton, Mother walks casually across the street to the Navajo brown
building located on a neighboring hillside. It is called, the United States Public Health
Service Hospital, which requires eleven stops on the Staten Island Rapid Transit line.
While the outmoded structure would appear somewhat haunting at night
to a passerby, its commodious interior was still bustling with activity.
Pg 33
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Who had to get what done first and what needed to be done next had not stopped
at all this century. Time moves on in its usual fashion, as always. But when you are
sitting in that office, it feels like the old electric wall clock is still calibrated to 1942.
There is nothing in that entire room that has been made after 1940, including
Mother. Most of the time, she's there a half-hour early to read the morning paper or
to chat with her colleagues before beginning her tasks. Today, she's right on time.
In her office, you will find a big industrial fan situated in the corner to get her through a
scorching hot summer and two big cast iron radiators to keep her comfortable as the snow
falls and the wind chill drops below zero. The windows in that building are enormous and
still bear sash weights concealed within the confines of a sliding sash; windows you can
open and close with two fingers instead of two arms, and frames constructed of wood.
Whenever I'm there, my mind fills with images of World War II and big Sherman tanks.
I can imagine those warplanes flying overhead with loud propellers, and when you
turn to look out the window, you almost expect to see them coming.
Mother thinks nothing of it, though. She says, “when you've been here as long
as I have, you become acclimated.” She also tells me one day, she hopes to
have a modern office as the room is too dreary, like it's always raining outside.
I have always found that to be rather pleasant, if not exhilarating.
Occasionally, I would go there to visit my mom. Upon doing so, I took my time
strolling down those long, impressive hallways. As I gazed about, ever observing my
environment, I would find nothing had really changed since the McKinley administration.
The hospital's exterior, though somewhat bleak, reflects its enduring functionality.
The way the floral arrangement is presented on the bright green lawn, which
is cordoned off by the dark wrought iron gate, and the way it is kept perfectly
mowed for spectators to see is an advantage. It infers you are entering a clean
establishment, and that is very important but not necessarily true. The archaic
gate, not only surrounds the lawn but also encompasses the entire hospital.
Every ten years or so, the maintenance crew was paid to paint it black.
You cannot enter without first seeing the guard alongside the building in his little
security booth. You either show him your card, or he phones in an extension of
the person you are coming to see, thus confirming your appointment by arrival.
Pg 34
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What I found to be the most interesting about this hospital was the basement.
Walking down those long inviting corridors, one can literally see the changing of
time. Recent attempts at renovation have left the walls in a state of eerie disrepair,
with patches of fresh paint juxtaposed against peeling layers of lead-based toxins.
The asbestos wrap coming free from the pipes and the discoloration of the exposed
material are quite formidable, to put it mildly.
Walking down the narrow winding hallway, with its antique lighting and its
sinister appeal, you can almost feel a haunting stare behind you, like an
asylum for the criminally insane turned hospital for America's war veterans.
As we continue, you will see a scabrous trail of paint that has fallen to the
floor like contaminated snowflakes. Along the walls of the high ceiling and
down, one can see the old lead paint curling up like innocuous leaves growing.
Walking down those long inviting corridors, one can literally see the
changing of time, revealing the hospital's evolution through exposed
pipes and peeling paint, each layer whispering tales of bygone eras.
I can recall stepping on one of the olive-green shards back in 1969 when I was
admitted for scarlet fever. It made a distinct crunching sound, almost like I had
stepped on a small fragment of a light bulb. Gazing down at those perilous slivers
of splintered paint beneath my feet, I could not shake the feeling that I had been
taken there to die. Needless to say, everyone was friendly to me because my
mother was an integral part of their organization. Being a good nurse does
require a fair amount of camaraderie, and that was comforting.
Even so, I could not visualize ever returning to a normal state again due to the
disorientating effect of the bacterial infection. Aside from a persistent fever that
would not break, I had a horrible sensation of a nightmarish post-nasal drip. A
thick mucus coating that had adhered to the back of my throat like Elmer's glue
left me swallowing endlessly, yet to no avail. So numb and raw was this area that
a simple swallow resulted in great torment. Like sharp metal objects in a region
of Novocain or swallowing over a thousand impressed thorns, it simply did not
wish to end. Though I languished in misery, waiting for the end to come.
I ponder through a looking glass
The mirror of the mind
To see what lies in wait
Time has me confined
Crystal Sect - Days & weeks
To imagine the world put into perspective from a distant time, one
which precedes our own, can be quite alluring to the stimulus of the
senses when the rationalization of coming forth in an apathetic society
proves to be disheartening. Yes, we have more than we had before,
this goes for any age, but we lose a little bit of ourselves each time
we turn over our values for technological advancements.
Pg 35
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Do yourself a favor; if you are from out of town and decide to visit the wonderful
city of New York, make sure in your travels that you remember to include McSorley's
Old Ale House. Just tell the cabbie to take you to the little saloon on 15 East 7th Street.
Trust me, you will not regret it.
Unless you are a recovering alcoholic, then I would strongly advise against it!
Indeed, the world is constantly changing with each passing decade until
the world we know and love is no longer the world we long to embrace.
So, through God’s enduring mercy, we are taken away. Transformed into
spiritual beings soaring through heavenly clouds in an ethereal bliss.
In spite of all our beliefs, we weep for our dearly departed because
they are no longer among us. It is our countdown into obscurity, the
beginning of our trials here on earth.
There was a saying painted on the window of McSorley’s. It read as follows,
“Good ale, raw onions, and no ladies.” The saying was abolished in 1970
thanks to the women’s liberation movement. It was the last bar in New York City
to keep women from entering its doors. Painted on the window's weathered glass,
the words whisper a timeless sentiment: “We were here before you were born.”
Today in the year 1982, the words above read, “This is our 128th year, and
ale is well. The pub opened in 1854, and each year the number climbs higher.”
But will I live to see its 200th? Perhaps that is the year of my demise.
During the daytime hours, when it's quiet, you can look around and take
your share of pictures. If you're not a picture buff and you enjoy being
in crowded places, then I suggest you go there at night. Better yet, go
there on a Friday or Saturday night. If you are an introvert, then doing
this will be like committing social suicide.
On weekends, there will be a gentleman standing beside the door.
This man will only let people in as people exit because the little
pub tends to get too crowded, and regardless of what time it is
or how many people are inside, last call is 1 AM, like it or not.
It's a nice feeling to be in an environment where you are surrounded
by the past, a place where you can light a cigar, and no one gripes about
the smell, where you can drift in and out of pleasant conversation, and
no one really seems to mind. Aside from that, McSorley's may be the
only bar in all of Manhattan that has yet to install a television set.
On a busy night, it can take a while just to reach the bathroom, and believe me when I tell you,
it hasn't changed much. Despite their antiquated appearance, the urinals retain an intriguing
feature—a glazed crackle pattern reminiscent of centuries-old bone china. It's funny how the
passing of time can bring out such an interesting phenomenon and allow it to remain completely
intact and undamaged. Indeed, they are original and date back to 1911, for what it's worth.
http://www.urinal.net/mcsorleys/
I only hope the ale house is still serving patrons long after I'm gone.
There is a saying inscribed on a wooden plaque that hangs within the walls
of the pub. It reads, “Be Good or Be Gone.” It must have been referring to
those ruffians of yesteryear who lived as people once lived in the Wild West.
Those delinquents with no manners, morals, or proper upbringing. The bullies who lived on the
streets smoked, drank, and committed thievery before they even turned twelve. Like demons in a
godless world who never saw the inside of a classroom, they would taunt, tease, and provoke
until a fight ensued. And as they grew older, they would still behave as though they were in sixth
grade, making damn sure they found a reason to kick somebody's ass before the day was through.
I am happy to know the only things they are pushing
nowadays are flowers in an old defunct graveyard.
Chances are you will not see any troublemakers in McSorley's.
That is because people of today have earned an endearing respect
for our nation's history and the struggles of early American life,
unlike the hooligans of age's past.
The Bleach Boys - Wine, Wine, Wine
Close your eyes;
you've walked into another time. . .
A time when sawdust is still sprinkled on wood floors,
and the tables and chairs that were once used for writers
and poets to compose their works, are still there today.
As you sip your light or dark beer, pause to reflect in silence on
the years gone by while observing the museum-like atmosphere
captured in time by pictures and paintings that adorn its walls.
Amidst the relics of ages past, from Houdini's handcuffs to the
fading wanted poster of Lincoln's assassin, McSorley's becomes
a living testament to the tapestry of American history, where
each artifact reveals a story of triumph and tragedy.
Don't be surprised when you come to realize that the vintage
gold cash register adorning the bar is no longer in use either.
Look around. . . Watch as the cats stroll in and out.
See the cobwebs sagging down from wishbones left behind
by young men of the Civil war who had not returned home
to claim them. They are, in fact, still fighting.
If you should go there in winter, gaze at the pot belly stove
in the middle of the room and see how effective it is in keeping
the whole establishment warm.
Get a feel of how life used to be and be thankful for all you have now.
Look out in the twilight hours of the day, and if you are lucky,
you may see snow coming down on the old cobblestone street.
Watch as it falls right outside the window where seldom a car will pass.
People walk by but not that many, and it isn't long
before inebriation unfurls a sad truth. . .
They've left the horse and wagon behind.
The Cuppa T - Brand New World
Pg 36
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Reviews for chapter 7
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This review was posted on Apr/4/22
Ella's, Jacob & Sarah's review
We absolutely loved this chapter.
We think it was a much better read than the previous one.
We liked the different use of narration, which directly addressed the reader,
then using “I” and then writing as “Mother”, in the third person. This is so unique,
and it creates a sense of intimacy, as if a story is unfolding, slowly, and cinematically.
We really enjoyed the beginning of the chapter that told the story of “mother”
and then the chapter became more self-reflective, introspective, and like the
rest of the chapters in the novel thus far.
Although the scenes with Mother were so detailed and cinematically told,
we do feel like it could have been a little bit more interesting, we do not
know why, but it kind of gave us a horror/eerie type of feel, and it would
be very interesting if you explored that.
Once again, your lines of poetry in the middle of prose had us hooked.
It was mesmerizing to read, and it was fantastic to see that you still
continue using it in the rest of the chapters.
This chapter can be read completely as a “horror” chapter.
It has an eerie mood just like an Edgar Poe poem. Really well done!
Our favourite quote is:
Look out in the twilight hours of the day and if you are lucky, you
may see snow coming down on the old cobblestone street. Watch
as it falls right outside the window where seldom a car will pass.
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This review was posted on May/2/22
Lameez' review
Beta-Read Report for 'The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe - Chapter 7'
Beta Reader: Lameez Rushin (Lameezisreal)
Overall Impression
This chapter was informative and thought-provoking. It danced between what was
and what is while focusing on key points such as the nurses and their importance,
as well as aging while finding one space that hasn’t aged a day.
Chapter Notes
Highlighting the importance of nurses was handled tactfully without overstating
anything or dramatizing it. The pub was perfectly described, it felt as though I
had walked into it when the MC did.
Character Notes
The Main Character (MC) seems ageless, moving between two different time periods.
And the shifting between the two is seamless and well-written. The language is spot
on and easy to read, to understand as well.
Thoughts After Finishing The Chapter
The homage paid to nurses was perfectly executed. Nurses are so frequently
overlooked and severely underappreciated. This was such a surreal and honest view
of what nurses go through and just how much they contribute to the medical world.
The chapter then dives into the progression of the mindset of people,
from sidelining women to the inclusion of them. The progression was
smooth and accurate. And though we’ve moved through time, the idea
that there’s a pub still decades behind the rest of the world is a nod to
traditions. Again, progress is good but old traditions aren’t all bad.
It’s the nostalgia that tends to keep the old traditions alive.
Thank you so much and I’m excited to see your next chapter!
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This review was posted on May/11/22
nehanegi1905 's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins mother
Reader's Report by nehanegi1905
Hey Chas! What can I say?
Every time I read a chapter from your book, it
feels like I’m getting more immersed in that world.
It was so refreshing to learn about her mother and her workplace.
This chapter took me on a little journey of the boy’s relationship
with his mother with things coming from the past.
I really like your style of describing places and you did a great job with
McSorley as well. I could perfectly imagine the aura of that place just
from your words and I think it will really click with the reader as well.
I’m really excited to see what will the next chapter unravel. Thank you
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This review was posted on Jun/4/22
sianiesl's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Siani
Hi, thank you for sending me another chapter to read,
it was deliciously detailed and carefully written.
Readability of Chapter 7. In other words, how quickly did I read the chapter,
how much did I enjoy it, and where did it drag?
The 9 pages of chapter 7 flew by, more so now that the chapter, along with
more recent chapters seem to be more concentrated and refined to one of
two subjects. There was no dragging or inconsistent pacing, the paragraphs
merged effortlessly, and I had finished the chapter before I knew it.
Reader’s opinion. As a reader, what did I think of your plot, your characters,
and your writing style?
I feel at this point in the novel this chapter was a much needed respite from the
dreams and imaginations from our character. It gave a good sense of reality and
reminded me as a reader that there is more to this person than the other worlds
they visit. They have a childhood and history, relationships and connections.
They have love and hate, and in this chapter they share a memory with us the
reader, which adds some vulnerability to them. The writing style is very consistent
which is great and helps the reader keep focus when a lot of information and
description has been provided.
Positives and negatives. What about your chapter did I love or hate?
Positives; the writing style and content is always flawless, your poetic and dreamy
language and layout keeps me in a mini trance which I am engulfed in the world
and environment in which you place me. The precise and careful detail in which
Mother was described in the first half of the chapter was awe-inspiring.
I enjoyed being taken on her daily commute, grabbing a coffee and paper on her
way to the station, and people watching through Mother's eyes. The variety of life
and personalities in the same place. The hospital was represented in the chapter
very intricately, I could see the pipers on the walls, the echoes of the hallways,
from the lights to the exterior brickwork, all the detail I could want was fed to me.
Similarly with McSorley's Old Ale House, I was transported back in time, probably to
somewhere I shouldn't be as a women. I could smell the old dusty wooden floors, and
hear the tables of young men croaking and squawking as the down their pints, others
sat more subtly in the corns, trying to gain inspiration to write or create. McSorley's
was a place full of character, it didn't, and still doesn't conform to modern society.
It is for men who are still 'men', and refuse to see the world in any other way other
than how they saw it when they were kids, and how their fathers and grandfathers
taught them about the world.
Negatives; Although I love both segments of this chapter, I had trouble seeing the
correlation between the two. I had a little difficulty transitioning fully from Mother
to McSorley's, and how it made the chapter feel. There wasn't a strong enough link
or relationship between the two subjects to warrant a new chapter subject for me
personally. I also have a little bit of concern regarding how this chapter flows from
chapter 6. Although I appreciate your comments regarding chapter 6 being more
of a stand alone chapter, and there was a couple of lines at the end of chapter 6
referring and linking to Mother, I wasn't sure if it was enough for a truly effortless
connection. It wasn't a rocky transition by any means, but it just caught my attention.
One part of the chapter I did have to question was this quote - There were even a few
straphangers who appeared so miserable that Mother thought they might be happier
standing in front of the train, than on it. Although I love it, it made me wonder how our
character knew this thought from Mother, had she expressed it to them before maybe?
I think an additional 'mother once told me....'
would have tied those few lines together a little more.
Subsequent discussion of your manuscript.
Overall this was a beautiful chapter as always. I did notice a missing a quotation
mark for the writing above the window of McSorley's on page 6. There is no
ending to the quote. I'll highlight and send back to you for you to look at.
All the best,
Siani
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This review was posted on Jun/18/22
kanchanninawe's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by kanchan
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This review was posted on Jun/18/22
krithika2001 's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Krithika Ravi
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This review was posted on July/5/22
aneelaiftikhar1's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Aneela
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This review was posted on July/7/22
iqrabashir871 's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Iqra
FIRST IMPRESSION - What was your overall take on the chapter after reading it?
It appeared more like a descriptive or narrative way of story to me. Indeed, the actual
focus was ‘imagination’. I have always adored the writing style but in this chapter he
should have less focus on hospital’s building and more on actual story.
CHAPTER OPENING - Do you like the wording used?
Do you believe it is uniquely different from everything else out there?
Yes, the writing style is pretty unique. I haven’t seen such thing
in my whole life. Apart from uniqueness, it has the ability of grasping
anybody in the story. It can make you curious for the next chapter.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS - Did you find the character(s) too imaginative,
or descriptive? Are they exciting or boring in this chapter?
Overall analysis of chapter- Unlike previous chapter, it was a combination of both.
Sometimes, it felt like imaginative while the hospital part looked like more descriptive.
Character Analysis- The roles of characters were written perfectly. The words were
showcasing emotional states clearly. I can picture them easily.
PACE AND FLOW - Was it too fast/slow? Does it move smoothly,
or is it rough and choppy? Did you feel lost at all?
It moved smoothly. However, in the middle I felt it going a bit choppy. Some
of the sentences were not complete or hard to understand. It made me lost
when I was reading about the mother character. The writing style was attractive
enough to make me imagine the characters. I like the way how he described
every little thing about the building. Yet, it became so long.
LANGUAGE - Do you like the way the writer uses words? Do you feel that he
knows what he is doing? Do you think those obscure words help or hurt the
story? Do you believe that readers can learn something from this chapter?
Yes, the writing style is incredible. I haven’t seen anything like that before. As far as
the second question, it feels like he was lost too while writing. The obscure words can
leave several questions for the readers. They can’t hurt story unless they are in balance
position. Yes, I have learned a lot of stuff from the following chapter.
SENSITIVITY - Is there anything that offended you in any way?
No, there isn’t such thing.
DIALOGUE WRITING - Do you enjoy the narration of the author?
Was the message delivered in a clear and thoughtful manner?
Yes, I enjoyed the narration. The dialogue delivery was perfect enough
to make a flow. He has tried to deliver the message in a thoughtful manner
way but he went a little bit deeper. It felt like something missing or complex
to understand while reading about the imaginary thoughts.
PLOT/CONSISTENCY - Was the plot on point?
Do you like where it is going?
Yes, it was on point. Everything was pretty clear. What I love the most
about his writing style is its uniqueness. I like it where it was going.
SETTING/DESCRIPTION - Is it fine the way the author described
his surroundings? Should more or less attention be paid to detail?
In my opinion, he went a little bit far while describing the surroundings.
He should have paid less attention to describing the surrounding rather
than actual story.
GRAMMAR/SYNTAX - Does the wording confuse you? Does the writing
excite you, even though it doesn't entirely make sense at times?
No, it doesn’t confuse me at all. The writing style is engaging enough to make read further.
Sometimes, he goes too deeper and things become hard to understand. However, it doesn’t
affect the curious part. It gets exciting as you move along the story.
FAVORITE QUOTES/PASSAGES - Did anything the writer convey stand out?
Were there any sentences/phrases that impressed or delighted you?
?There were a lot of moments when he clearly won my heart. Here are some.
I like the beginning. Besides that, I like it when the chapter engages a twist
by entering into a new time. Apart from that, I also like these lines.
I ponder through a looking glass
The mirror of the mind
To see what lies in wait
Time has me confined
OVERALL THOUGHTS/ENDING - How do you feel on an emotional level?
Did reading this chapter make you want to turn the page or close it?
On emotional level, I felt it close to my heart in the beginning. I like the way
how he portrayed the mother’s character. The writing style grabs my attention
instantly. Undeniably, it makes you to turn another page or read it in one sitting.
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This review was posted on July/24/22
Tayyaba17's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Tayyaba
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This review was posted on July/28/22
Alysorrow's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Aly Sorrow
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This review was posted on Aug/4/22
alits29's review
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This review was posted on July/21/22
(Sent ch 8 before 6 & 7)
Hajranoor786's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Hajra Noor
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This review was posted on Aug/16/22
sidrahumar120's review
The Embryo Man and Other Tales of Woe: Chapter 7 - Into the world of work spins Mother
Reader's Report by Sidrah
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Saleha Zainab - June 29 - Chapter 7
The chapter depicts a character's journey to a hospital and reminiscing about
their mother's habits and experiences. Here are few key points of the chapter:
- Setting and Atmosphere:
The chapter establishes a specific setting, with the protagonist's mother dressed
as a nurse and heading towards a train station. The description of her uniform,
the train, and the hospital contributes to creating a vivid atmosphere. The use of
specific details, such as the concrete staircase, the yellow line on the platform,
and the train doors sliding open, helps immerse the reader in the scene.
- Characterization:
The protagonist's mother is portrayed as a disciplined and health-conscious individual who
values exercise and has quit smoking. The narrative delves into the past, reflecting on the
mother's smoking habits and the impact they had on the protagonist. The mother's systematic
approach to her habits is described, suggesting a rigid personality. This characterization helps
establish a sense of tension or conflict between the protagonist and their mother.
- Reflection and Imagery:
The narrative includes introspective moments where the protagonist contemplates their
mother's future and reflects on their own experiences. The vivid imagery and metaphors,
such as the "groovy fad" of smoking, the sensation of seasickness, and the association of
the hospital with World War II, evoke strong emotions and add depth to the storytelling.
- Descriptive Language:
The author employs descriptive language throughout the chapter to paint a detailed picture
of the surroundings, from the appearance of the nurse's uniform to the aging features of the
hospital building. The use of sensory details, such as the smell of cigarette smoke and the
sound of a crunching paint shard, enhances the reader's engagement with the narrative.
- Themes:
Several themes can be inferred from this chapter, including the passage of time, the impact
of habits and addictions, the tension between generations, and the contrast between tradition
and modernity. The chapter hints at the changing societal values brought about by technological
advancements, suggesting a loss of personal values and identity.
Mainly this chapter effectively sets the stage for the story by establishing the protagonist's
mother as a significant character and introducing key themes. The use of descriptive
language and imagery helps create a vivid and engaging narrative.
The second excerpt appears to be a continuation of the narrative,
focusing on McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City.
Setting and Atmosphere:
The second excerpt introduces McSorley's Old Ale House as a historical and unique establishment in
New York City. It highlights the atmosphere of the place, describing its old-world charm, lack of modern
amenities like televisions, and the presence of historical artifacts and decorations. The imagery of
sawdust on wood floors, vintage cash registers, and the pot belly stove adds to the nostalgic ambiance.
Historical Significance:
The narrative emphasizes the historical significance of McSorley's Old Ale House, connecting
it to notable events and figures. References to the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, and
John Wilkes Booth create a sense of historical immersion. The inclusion of artifacts like Houdini's
handcuffs and the deteriorating wanted poster adds to the historical intrigue.
Theme of Change:
Similar to the previous excerpt, the theme of change and the passage of time emerges in this section.
The mention of the saying painted on the window and its subsequent alteration reflects societal shifts,
particularly regarding women's rights. The excerpt also explores the contrast between past and present,
emphasizing the preservation of tradition within McSorley's Old Ale House.
Imagery and Reflection:
The author employs vivid imagery and reflective passages to transport the reader to McSorley's
Old Ale House. The description of the environment, the presence of cats, cobwebs, and wishbones
creates a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. The reflection on the importance of appreciating
the past and being thankful for the present adds depth to the narrative.
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This review was posted on Aug/1/23 (Evening)
Reviewed by ramshabaloch101
RS
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This review was posted on Aug/7/23
Reviewed by sampriktaada813
SP
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This review was posted on Oct/10/23
Reviewed by ritikagoyal587
RG
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This review was posted on Dec/31/23
Reviewed by namra
NR
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This review was posted on Jan/7/24
Reviewed by mariya
MY
Mariya's sister provides her thoughts and ideas as well
The chapter presented a very interesting insight into the life of the protagonist.
Diving into his life, especially the life of his mother reveals an ironic reality of
how he has every element of his mother's personality that he used to detest.
As a reader, I am intrigued by what turn of events brought him to the point that a
life covered in delusional smoke is better than reality for him. The protagonist's
mother and his attachment towards her despite the flaws he sees in her make the
readers empathize with the character. Amidst her chaotic personality, she forms a
huge part of his life and has carved many imprints into his present. It's intriguing
why he now lives a desolate life.
The imagery of the hospital is very comical and presents this stark contrast of
being a place of healing people and yet it is a horrid almost dingy place like a cell.
Rating 4/5
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This review was posted on Jan/15/24
Reviewed by adeeba
AD
Rating 4/5
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This review was posted on Jan/27/24
Reviewed by craftopia
CT
CT
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This review was posted on Jan/30/24
Reviewed by aimanmengal3
AM
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This review was posted on Feb/1/24
Reviewed by sababaloch292
SB
Into The World of Work Spins Mother
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This review was posted on Mar/22/24
Reviewed by jayamalir234
JM
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PG 33) Hollywood sani-white shoe polish circa 1950's - http://tinyurl.com/nyodmsh
PG 33) Pachka cigarettes poster - Soviet Advertisement - http://tinyurl.com/cfspdgp
PG 33) Benson & Hedges advertisement circa 1973 - http://tinyurl.com/n6qoz2t
PG 33) Gnashing of teeth by Chet Zar - http://www.chetzar.com/
PG 33) Steam engine #7 by Stanislav Plutenko - http://tinyurl.com/kmjo8kf
PG 33) Stuck in the machine by Tetsuya Ishida - http://tinyurl.com/ykkbz67
PG 33) World War 1 poster - Be a trained nurse - http://tinyurl.com/2axlw7x
PG 34) World War 2 poster - Memo for tomorrow. . . - http://tinyurl.com/49k8l68
PG 35) Fibrous asbestos pipe covering - newspaper ad - http://tinyurl.com/6ebw8rg
PG 35) A painting on the wall of an abandoned Soviet clinic - http://tinyurl.com/m6g5mz7
PG 35) Gifts by Ilene Meyer - http://www.ilenemeyer.com/
PG 36) McSorley's wonderful saloon by Joseph Mitchell - http://tinyurl.com/m6ew976
PG 36) Farbenspiel by Peter Hutter - http://www.editionhutter.de/
PG 36) Destroy your TV (propaganda ad by the legendary) Robert Banksy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksy
PG 36) The Bones by Ciruelo Cabral - http://www.dac-editions.com/
PG 36) A goober and a tuber in an exchange of fisticuffs by Todd Schorr - http://www.toddschorr.com/
PG 36) Party at Bagend by Christiaan Iken - http://crsia/kkwqphu
PG 36) The Cicero Stage makes a stop in North Syracuse - http://tinyurl.com/m3oy7bs
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