08-27-2023, 12:59 AM
As the oldest of three, raised by who I think was a similar father---always angry at the time, frustrated with work, has chauvinist and nationalist qualities---this hits close to home. Robert's living situation also resonates with me a lot.
I like how the piece observes Robert's life from the POV of the youngest sibling in particular because of his wider (and perhaps clearer) view of the family dynamics. It makes for very cutting observations in lines like S4L5-7 and S6L5-6. "I was part of a conspiracy to keep him alive" is a wonderful line.
The title is interesting because it isn't titled as an elegy itself, but the piece is comprised of "notes" for an elegy, as if the elegy is still to be written or said. I think I'm indulging in my own interpretation when I say that I think it's because the youngest, who was "spared" of the abuse, was probably emotionally neglected instead and, because of that, still doesn't know how to really commit to the feeling of grief, which adds to the tragedy in the N's case. I'm not sure if the way I put it makes sense but I'd be glad to clarify.
Thank you for sharing.
AR
I like how the piece observes Robert's life from the POV of the youngest sibling in particular because of his wider (and perhaps clearer) view of the family dynamics. It makes for very cutting observations in lines like S4L5-7 and S6L5-6. "I was part of a conspiracy to keep him alive" is a wonderful line.
The title is interesting because it isn't titled as an elegy itself, but the piece is comprised of "notes" for an elegy, as if the elegy is still to be written or said. I think I'm indulging in my own interpretation when I say that I think it's because the youngest, who was "spared" of the abuse, was probably emotionally neglected instead and, because of that, still doesn't know how to really commit to the feeling of grief, which adds to the tragedy in the N's case. I'm not sure if the way I put it makes sense but I'd be glad to clarify.
Thank you for sharing.
AR