Eleanor Brooker Analysis

A picture tells a thousand words, and "Eleanor" by Eric Drooker says volumes. At first glance, it is a seemingly normal neighborhood, in any city in the world. We see an old woman, at the end of her life, living a meager existence and instantly you conclude that she is lonely and friendless. That is not the picture I choose to see. People assume that once a person becomes older that their life has little meaning or happiness. I see a woman who has everything she wants and needs. She surrounds herself with life, the flowers she grows and nurtures, and her cat. The flowers bring her happiness and perhaps remind her of a garden she once had. They bring color and happiness to her world. They supply her with a touch of nature, something

to enjoy. She chooses a simple life, maintaining a home within her means and capabilities. She is active, continuing to do the things she loves like feeding the pigeons.

She is taking care of herself by making the effort to go out, walk, and visit the park. The pigeons that others view with scorn are a joy to her. She watches TV at night, perhaps reliving some of her own personal romances, her faithful companion at her side. In the end, hers the only light on in the apartment building, leaving you to wonder where are all the other people. Are they out on the town, working, or perhaps hiding from the world in their apartments? I wonder, how this interpretation would change if the main character were a young girl, just beginning her life. We would see this as a new beginning, someone starting life with awe and wonder, someone who may not have much but is building a life and a future. We see Eleanor watching TV and instantly assume that she is sad and little else to do with her life. Yet if that same picture was of a young person we would assume they were binging on Netflix or their favorite TV show. Why is it then when the picture is of an older woman we naturally assume that she is lonely and unhappy? I think the world has a view of the older generation that is not always pleasant. People see the older generation as burdens, someone to be pitied. When I see this cartoon, I am filled with

visions of my own grandmother. She was vivacious, full of life, a million stories to share and pass down. I never saw my grandmother as anything but a joy to my family and me. She lived with us, she helped raise me, and I am grateful for every moment I was able to share with her. That is one part of the Italian culture that I am grateful to have. Italians value family above all else, no matter what the age. We keep our family close, sharing homes and our lives. Eleanor is still enjoying life, no matter her age or limitations. I see this cartoon as a symbol of that life.