There is much ambiguity in the phrase "right place as the opportunity presents itself." What is "right" defined as? No specific system of ethics is implied here. Furthermore, what can be seen as opportunity to some might be misfortune to others. So I think the quick sarcastic comment that follows is actually very significant. He is juxtaposing the terms "asskicking" and "edification." Edification is defined as "a moral or spiritual uplifting." It is certainly a positive term, and in true Binx fashion the description of his search becomes an internal mockery. Perhaps it could be interpreted that he is kicking himself in the ass. I certainly feel the novel ends with Binx still lost and frustrated. The tone of the Epilogue, the fact that he loses another family member (Lonnie), with whom he shares a special connection is a continuation of the depressed tone held throughout the novel.
To return to the topic of the spheres of existence, I think it is also clarified that Binx has not reached that of religion, as he directly states that he "[shies] away from the subject of religion" and admits himself to be suspicious of the word "religion."
A few pages earlier, Binx tells Kate "There is only one thing I can do: listen to people, see how they stick themselves into the world, hand them along a ways in their dark journey and be handed along." This again evokes of tone of depression and despair. He says there is only one thing he can do, as if he has no choice, as if he finds himself trapped. He feels for everyone life is a "dark journey," that people are merely "handed along, and for good or selfish reasons." The latter is another ambiguous ethical statement. He does not seem to care to make the conscious effort toward good motivations. And again, one might ask: what is a "good" reason?
While agreeing to the ambiguity of the ethic spectrum of existentialism has caused problems to clarify whether or not Binx has reached that point, some tidbits here and there throughout the novel could say otherwise. Doing things for the greater good is a societal agreement to where specific ethical boundaries are set. Simply put, social norms, as determined by society (and to the greater good depicted in the Christian Bible), give people the sense of what is right and what is wrong. However, in the strict sense of present ethics within the novel (or lack thereof), the argument of whether or not Binx has entered the sphere of ethics is true.
ReplyDeleteThe general point to which Binx enters the religious sphere is in itself nonexistent. This is even more so with the comment you pointed out: “…And so naturally shy away from the subject of religion…” This singular comment lingers on the edges of agnosticism, however, it is difficult to pin point which type. Yes, you are onto something there with him briefly stating that even the word ‘religion’ is something to be suspicious of. When asked if Lonnie will be in a wheelchair in heaven, Binx gives the child false hopes. He simply said yes to put the child’s mind at ease and nothing more. This little white lie can be attributed to the “dark journey” Binx speaks of. Even if it’s a lie, the act of easing the mind of a child on the subject of death and what lies beyond is a prime example of being “handed along”.
It’s interesting how you interpreted the passage in the Epilogue about edification. After reading what you wrote, I think I may have misinterpreted that passage. I thought Binx was saying he would like make some sort of improvement on the search itself, but didn’t feel he had the right to do so.
ReplyDeleteYou mention that you believe Binx is still lost and frustrated at the end of the novel, but do you think he may have found some sort of peace within himself precisely because of the death of Lonnie? It may sound like a morbid thought at first but there is always some sort of closure when somebody close to you, who has been struggling with illness, dies. Thoughts become clearer, and there is that burden of stress or anxiety that finally lifts. The final image, when Binx is watching Kate walk away holding the cape jasmine against her cheek, seems like such a serene moment that it makes me feel like he found some peace within himself.
You also wrote that Binx thinks that for everyone, life is a dark journey. With this being said, do you think there is even a point to conducting some sort of search? Earlier in the blog you write the word “transitions.” Do you think that was Binx’s goal all along, to make some sort of life transition, and he didn’t even know it? Was he naïve in calling it a search? Very good points you make.