Crosswords and Quotes
This blog post is a response to the thinking exercise assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad, Department of English at MKBU. The focus of this writing will be on addressing Worksheet 3, which encompasses Crosswords and Quotes, utilizing ChatGPT while delving into the nuances of Julian Barnes's 'The Only Story'.
Worksheet 3: Crosswords and Quotes
1. Analyze the context of the following quote: "Why do you cheat at crosswords?"
a. Who is the speaker and to whom is this question addressed?
In the novel, ‘The Only Story’ Paul asks Susan why does she cheat at crosswords.
b. What is the response given by the recipient?
In response to Paul’s question, Susan says that ‘You cheeky bugger. I suppose Susan told you. Well, it’s a fair question, and one I can answer.’ ‘You see – I hope you never get there yourself – but some of us get to the point in life where we realize that nothing matters. Nothing fucking matters. And one of the few side-benefits of that is you know you’re not going to go to hell for filling in the wrong answers in the crossword. Because you’ve been to hell and back already and you know all too well what it’s like.’
c. Is the reference to "cheating at crosswords" repeated in the novel?
Yes. The "cheating at crosswords" recurs throughout the novel. Joan and Gordon, husband of Susan, both the characters use to play crosswords but cheating is mainly in the part of Susan.
d. What inferences can be drawn from this reference?
The "cheating at crosswords" recurs throughout the novel. When Paul asks Susan why does she cheats at crosswords, Susan shares a deep understanding about life, saying that at a certain point, some people realize that nothing really matters in the grand scheme. She uses humor when talking about crossword puzzles to show that once you grasp how unimportant some things are, you stop worrying about the consequences. Her comment, "you’re not going to go to hell for filling in the wrong answers in the crossword," means you feel free from judgment. Susan adds that she's been through tough times, symbolized by the metaphor "been to hell and back," and this experience has changed how she sees things. Her perspective now values important things and doesn't stress about trivial matters. In short, Susan's response is a mix of humor and wisdom, showing she's faced challenges and gained a unique outlook that focuses on what truly matters in life.
So, the reference to ‘Crossword’ is spread across the novel. It is referred to critically as a British time-pass activity which also makes the critique of this habit. It represents the character of Joan, also her loneliness in life.
2. Investigate the symbolic significance of ‘crosswords’ in the novel "The Only Story."
a. Use ChatGPT as a starting point, and then compare and contrast with information from the teacher's blog
While using ChatGPT for getting the answer of the symbolic significance of crosswords in ‘The Only Story’, the AI was unable to provide me the exact answer for this question as it says that there isn't a direct association of crosswords in "The Only Story." But though it tried to provide me a comprehensive overview of the significance of Crosswords in General. Here is the Responce I have got from ChatGPT:
"The Only Story" is a novel written by Julian Barnes, and it explores themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. The novel is divided into three parts, and each section delves into different aspects of the protagonist's relationship with his lover, Susan.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there isn't a direct association of crosswords in "The Only Story." However, I can provide some general insights into the symbolic significance of crosswords in literature.
1. Puzzles and Complexity: Crosswords are often associated with mental challenges and complexity. In literature, they can symbolize the intricate nature of human relationships or the complexity of life itself. In "The Only Story," if the protagonist engages in crosswords, it might suggest that his relationship with Susan is intricate and not easily decipherable.
2. Order and Structure: Crosswords provide a structured format, where each answer fits into a specific space. In literature, they can symbolize order and structure. If the novel uses crosswords as a motif, it might suggest the desire for order or the attempt to make sense of the chaotic nature of life and love.
3. Reflection and Introspection: The process of solving crosswords often requires introspection and reflection. In literature, the use of crosswords might signify a character's journey of self-discovery or contemplation about their life choices and relationships.
4. Completion and Resolution: Successfully completing a crossword puzzle gives a sense of accomplishment. In a novel, the presence of crosswords might symbolize the characters' quest for resolution or completion in their lives, particularly in the context of the story's themes.
5. Symbol of Time Passing: Crosswords, with their temporal nature and regular appearance in newspapers, can be used to symbolize the passage of time. In "The Only Story," if the protagonist engages in crosswords, it might reflect the changing nature of his relationship with Susan over time.
Keep in mind that these interpretations are general and not specific to "The Only Story." If crosswords have a specific symbolic significance in the novel, it's important to consider the context within the narrative and the author's intentions. For a more accurate analysis, consulting literary critics or the author's interviews might provide additional insights.
b. Write a comprehensive answer that summarizes the findings.
Well, the answer generated by ChatGPT isn’t that exact as it don’t include the perspective of Joan and Gordon. But some general points suggested by ChatGPT resonates with the use of crossword by Julian Barnes in the novel. It explains intricate and not easily decipherable life. The essence of this novel’s use of symbol of crosswords is not grasped here as Susan’s existential angst is not inferred here. It talks much about character's journey of self-discovery or contemplation about their life choices and relationships, but in the case of Joan, it is not so. She cheats at crosswords, not for any self discovery or something like that as she in her dialogue with Paul says some of us get to the point in life where we realize that nothing matters. Nothing fucking matters. And one of the few side-benefits of that is you know you’re not going to go to hell for filling in the wrong answers in the crossword. Because you’ve been to hell and back already and you know all too well what it’s like.’ Its suggests that her life has become like hell.
3. Analyze the following quote in the context of the novel: "The point of the story is 'safe and capable.'"
a. Identify the speaker and the person to whom the quote is addressed.
This sentence is addresses by Susan to Paul.
b. Describe the significance of this quote within the context of the story.
When Paul urges Susan to divorce Gordon, she recounts the story of her father-in-law, Jack, who, facing illness, chose to end his life with medications provided by doctors. Paul, however, struggles to grasp the essence of the narrative. Susan clarifies, emphasizing, "The point of the story is 'safe and capable.'"(Barnes) In this scenario, Jack, Gordon's father, entrusted Susan with Gordon's well-being during his final moments. This trust was profound, as evidenced by Jack's decision to prioritize Susan's care for Gordon over his own lover, Paul Roberts. The terms 'safe and capable' in this context are intricately linked to the immense trust Jack placed in Susan.
4. Evaluate the use of the phrase "moviemaker's bromide" in the novel "The Only Story."
a. How many times is the phrase used in the novel?
The phrase “Moviemaker’s bromide” is used twice in the novel.
b. What is the situation when this phrase appears in the novel?
The situation when this phrase appears in the novel is when Paul comes to visit Susan at her deathbed to say her last goodbye. This describes how moviemakers use to portray such things in the movie which doesn’t happen in real life.
c. What does it signify within the context of the story?
In this part of the novel, the scene unfolds as Paul pays a visit to Susan on her deathbed to bid a final farewell. The narrative critiques the cinematic portrayal of such moments, highlighting the stark contrast between the romanticized endings often seen in movies and the harsh reality of life and death. The passage expresses the narrator's disbelief in the comforting narratives people seek, rejecting terms like redemption and closure as oversimplified. The anticipated cinematic farewell, complete with a whispered goodbye and a subtle smile from Susan, is dismissed as a moviemaker's idealization. The narrator acknowledges the lack of such neat resolutions in real life, emphasizing the absence of forgiveness or absolution in the face of impending death. The scene captures the narrator's refusal to conform to the clichés of emotional partings, presenting a more raw and authentic depiction of the complexities surrounding love and farewells.
Narrative Technique:
Barnes, Julian. The Only Story. Random House, 2018.
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