Books and Songs as Companions

Simple Passion

Follows the narrator’s use of popular culture and literature to interpret, validate, and sometimes misread the affair.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Kiss in a Novel The Kiss in a Novel from "Simple Passion". The Kiss in a Novel

The Kiss in a Novel

Songs of Passion Songs of Passion from "Simple Passion". Songs of Passion Sentimental Recognition Songs once dismissed now move the narrator deeply. Their direct declarations make her private feeling seem universal.

Songs of Passion from "Simple Passion". Songs of Passion Sentimental Recognition Songs once dismissed now move the narrator deeply. Their direct declarations make her private feeling seem universal.

Songs of Passion Sentimental Recognition Songs once dismissed now move the narrator deeply. Their direct declarations make her private feeling seem universal. Legitimized Emotion A singer’s words reassure her that another woman can feel similarly. Music accompanies the affair by giving its intensity a shared language.

The Desired Film The Desired Film from "Simple Passion". The Desired Film A Missing Screening The narrator longs to see a film she believes will encapsulate her experience.

The Desired Film from "Simple Passion". The Desired Film A Missing Screening The narrator longs to see a film she believes will encapsulate her experience.

The Desired Film A Missing Screening The narrator longs to see a film she believes will encapsulate her experience. When it is no longer showing, she feels bitterly disappointed. Art as Confirmation She seeks works that might reflect the affair back to her. The wish is less for detached criticism than for recognition.

The Shared Television Fantasy

The Shared Television Fantasy Imagined Co-viewing The narrator wonders whether A is watching the same program or film. She hopes a story about love might make him think of them. Legitimacy Through Fiction If he has seen a relevant film, she imagines he chose it because of their relationship. Fiction offers a temporary sense that their affair has meaning for him too.

The Untouched Novel The Untouched Novel from "Simple Passion". The Untouched Novel

The Untouched Novel

early in the relationship

during the affair

during the first months of waiting

during the affair

after A’s departure