the moviegoer

1307 Words3 Pages

The Moviegoer Prompt: Binx and Kate’s relationship in The Moviegoer by Walker Percy In the novel The Moviegoer by Walker Percy, two characters Binx Bolling, and his distant cousin Kate Cutrer’s growing relationship stems from their detachment from reality. Binx and Kate both have equally strange orientations on society. Being distant cousins they are able to grow close throughout the novel, realizing their underlying connection. Their relationship is confusing however they are able to grow close over their ability to realize the inherent falseness in the world. It is only through Binx’s relationship with Kate that his concern and regard draw out for someone else, beside himself. Kate and Binx’s incestuous relationship represents how two seemingly hopeless individuals can be repaired through their union. Binx Bolling is the main character that works as a stockbroker in New Orleans. The “search” for a meaning to his life is the focal point of this novel. Binx is an individual who isolates himself from society and his family and is content gliding through life. He alienates himself to escape his greatest fear “the malaise” by going to the movie theatre alone. The malaise to Binx is the “pain of loss”: “The world is lost to you, the world and the people in it, and there remains only you and the world and you no more able to be in the world than Banquo’s ghost” (Percy, 120). In the first few chapters Binx’s emotions are flat toward everything in his life, especially women. His relationships with these women are brief and mostly unfulfilled. “Naturally, I would like to say that I had made conquests of these splendid girls, my secretaries, casting them off one after the other like old gloves, but it would not be strictly true. Th... ... middle of paper ... ...e supersedes his “search.” Binx’s surrender to the search could be considered his admittance that he has moved beyond his own selfish desires and is now attempting to live an everyday life. He seems confident in the way he talks about his new life. Binx changed as a result of Kate by marrying and attending medical school. Binx’s marriage suggests that he has grown to be less self-absorbed since he provides guidance to Kate. Both Binx and Kate have grown substantially. Kate and Binx’s awkward and confusing relationship ultimately represents their ability to bond. It is only through Binx’s relationship with Kate that his concern and regard draw out for someone else, beside himself. The two give each other strength and provide stability. Ultimately, their incestuous relationship illustrates how two seemingly hopeless individuals can be repaired through their union.

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