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Original poster

The Virgin Suicides. What was that all about? SPOILERS

31 replies

CoteDAzur · 16/01/2017 17:28

I just finished The Virgin Suicides. Yes, it was very atmospheric. Yes, the author can write.

What was the point, though?

I got the feeling that it wasn't talking about some girls (individuals) & some boys (individuals) but was a bit symbolic.

Your thoughts?

OP posts:
EverySongbirdSays · 16/01/2017 18:21

I agree about the "male gaze" - I must have read it 4 years ago, but I do keep records. (Saddo Blush ) I'll just look it up.

Original poster
CoteDAzur · 16/01/2017 17:45

I don't think they were objectified as much as fetishised and obsessed over. They seem to be the only thing on (what passes as) the minds of local boys. No other girls are even mentioned in the book.

And the narrator keeps talking about "we", never "I", as if this book is about anyone and their flimsy hold on (and their awe in the presence of) beauty and innocence in their lives - as children, then it's gone.

OP posts:
Original poster
CoteDAzur · 16/01/2017 17:42

I think it may have been talking about "the Lisbon girls" as a concept, and idea, as opposed to individual persons. This is because people keep confusing them, making no effort to tell them apart. Even at the end when they are all being buried, the priest (no less) says he is not sure who he buried where.

I think the girls represent youthful innocence (which is beautiful but inevitably dies) or something.

OP posts:
IrenetheQuaint · 16/01/2017 17:40

I thought it was about the male gaze and how horrible it feels to be a teenage girl being objectified. Not sure whether that was the author's actual intention or not.

Original poster
CoteDAzur · 16/01/2017 17:39

And now, to use MN's new @ tool to call MNers over... Grin

@RemusLupinsChristmasMovie
@Ladydepp
@HappyFlappy

Come over!

OP posts:
KeithLeMonde · 16/01/2017 17:38

Totally did not understand a word. And I have a first in English Lit.

Like you, I sensed that it was about more than some teenage girls. However, I didn't like it at all and couldn't be arsed to read up.

Will follow thread and get schooled.