Explication

In Polti's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, the element of cruelty and misfortune reveals the tragic and unfortunate events throughout the novel. In the beginning, we encounter a very dreadful action that results in the destruction of relationships. The seduction of Materia results in the separation of her family, “She was dead to them all from that day forth” (18). Due to the unfortunate event indicated in Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, Materia was disowned and rejected by her family due to her betrayal. This separation is further revealed by Mrs. Mahmoud when she, “…watched her husband eat and thought of her lost daughter,” (51). In addition Materia's pregnancy was a disaster. Because she was not ready for childbirth, this had a huge psychological effect.. She eloped with James at the age of thirteen and soon after got pregnant. This is exemplified when, “Materia hadn't produced a drop and the baby was fit to be tied...Materia just sat there, mute as usual, her dress open, her nipples cracked and bleeding, oozing milk.” (34) With the emotional and hormonal changes, pregnancy is a psychological event for a woman. Furthermore, in reference to 's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, with an unfortunate event, a master is present. James Piper created a very strong bond with his first daughter Kathleen. In fact, their love was so powerful that he loved her more than his wife. This is demonstrated when, “They went on long walks hand in hand…” (38). He gave up his studies and concentrated on spending as much time with his daughter as possible. For instance, “He hadn’t much time for his own reading…James taught his daughter to read words soon after she learned to read music,” (40). However,as in certain extreme situations, he went over the line. The closeness of their relationship lead to tragic results – incest. This is exemplified through his emotions and actions; “A life and warmth enter his body that he hasn’t felt…She will be safe with him, I’ll keep you safe, my darling, oh how he loves this girl…” (61). His love for her lead to sexual desires. This is revealed through James when, “he shocked himself. He lets her go and withdraws abruptly so she will not notice what has happened to him,” (61). However, his passion for her grew. He made a special visit to New York when Kathleen was accomplishing her studies to fulfill his sexual arousal. “He takes her in his arms. She is naked with shame, just wants some clothes, please –” (549) This is all triggered by a master according to 's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations. Because of James, the master, these events lead to incest.

Furthermore, the misfortune of abuse resulted in France's disappearance. James cruelty towards Frances left her to run. This is exemplified when James states, “I have to find Frances now…” (369). This is an example of many incidents where violence and torture turn into love. James' abusiveness is further developed when he practices his molestation against Frances. For instance, “Daddy kissing the top of her head with a long knife in his hand…” (369). Furthermore, the catastrophe looms and is further advanced due to the sins and secrets of the father. Frances is sexually abused, beaten and berated by her father. This is apparent when, “There’s blood crusting her nose and filling the gully that meets her upper lip” (366). It is appalling to see the whole family fall apart due to James' offenses. The reader sympathizes with the innocent Piper sisters along with their anger towards James. Another element of misfortune is murder. Kathleen died during childbirth. This is revealed when, Materia “takes a pair of scissors – old kitchen scissors freshly sharp and sterilized to cut the cord – and plunges the pointier blade into Kathleen’s abdomen just above the topography of buried head” (135). This disastrous event was all because of James. James had an affair with his own daughter, made her pregnant and was responsible for her death. “Piper killed his daughter by not calling the doctor…” (355). James' actions resulted in the misfortune for the entire family. The other Piper sisters are greatly affected because after the deaths of Materia and Mercedes, the next oldest sister assumes a mother figure to her younger sister and her father. “Mercedes assumes the responsibility for the soul of Lily Piper,” (171). As a result, due to James' disastrous actions great misfortunes change the lives of many.

Lastly, Frances’ behaviour leads to many misfortunes. By acting out to disguise her love and fear that she will not be loved by her family leads to a path of trouble. “What kind of man disowns his daughter? Frances is a diamond passed from filthy paw to paw but never diminished” (335). Due to the abuse of Frances, she has a way to escape her burden and the stress of family. This affects their father-daughter relationship. We know this through Mercedes perception when she ponders “Daddy’s love for Lily and his anger at Frances” (189). It also creates problems at homes and pollutes the environment. Frances constantly disappears and one day she gets shot. This was unexpected. “Teresa swung the rifle through a hundred and eighty degrees, caught it with her shoulder, armed and fired (401). Poor Frances was pregnant and as a result, the infant died. This was another misfortune due to Teresa's actions. In spite of all the disturbances and the conflicts that have arisen, MacDonald wraps up the loose ends by gripping the unforgettable characters that are so realistically evoked. This gives the reader a complete feeling of satisfaction by visioning a new beginning for Lily, even though at times you are still struck with the unanticipated knowledge that was provided. Thus, Politi's seventh situation of misfortune identifies a type of tragedy in which various unfortunate events take place triggered by a master, James, which further results in many tragic misfortunes.