Teasing
In Goodbye, Columbus Neil and Brenda have an interesting relationship. Roth makes the hints that they both need each other, but at the same time, they put each other down a lot. The constant teasing but also them valuing their relationship, leads some to wonder why they tease so much if they love each other like they say they do. So what do you think is the reason for them teasing as much as they do if they are actually in love?
4 comments:
From personal experience, I'd say that teasing is just a method of keeping up a conversation with someone you're nervous around. However, I feel that Roth has his characters tease eachother here due to the stark cultural and societal differences between the two.
I agree with Ryan about teasing that it keeps up the conversation especially person who you like or feel special toward them. social difference play a big role in teasing also too that misunderstanding of each other make Roth and Brenda to teach each other a lot.
First of all, I don't think the two are actually in love. It seems like Neil is in love with what Brenda symbolizes, rather than who she is (after all, she is pretty superficial and self-centered). Brenda's reasons for being involved with Neil are a bit less clear, but one could guess he represents a little excitement (the new Bill!). I would think they only need each other in so far as the other fulfills a desired role. I'd say the teasing represents the tensions between them. Since neither is entirely certain of the other, nor deeply attached, the teasing demonstrates the power struggle that occurs. Since couples loving tease one another, their doing it may provide a convenient façade.
I think that Neil and Brenda are very different from one another. Since they do not have a lot in common and are from two different social classes, I think they use teasing as a way to communicate. Also, I think that Neil may use teasing to even the playing field and pull Brenda off her pedestal.
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