Essay Questions

What is the import of Light in Gerty’s being?

Cummins elucidates, “She loved to watch for the coming of the old man who lit the street-lamp in front of the house where she lived; to see his bright torch flicker in the wind; and then when he so quickly ran up his ladder, lit the lamp, and made the place cheerful, a gleam of joy was shed on a little desolate heart, to which gladness was a stranger.” The light is emblematic of hope which lightens Gerty’s life, which is marred with darkness of all sorts. Viewing the lamplighter offers Gerty pleasure; the light bids Gerty the chance to divert from the gloominess in her life. Moreover, the light bids her optimism about the possibility of perceiving light someday.

Employ Lacanian Psychoanalysis to explicate Gerty’s fondness for the kitten.

Cummins writes, “So she poured out such wealth of love on the poor kitten as only such a desolate little heart has to spare.” First, the kitten reminds Gerty of her vulnerable situation: she and the animal are alike because Grant detests them. Her resolution to safeguard the kitten depicts her unconscious craving for shielding specifically from Grant. Second, the kitten is an Objet petit a for uninhibited, reciprocated love. Gerty accords the kitten all the appreciation which she has languished for. Unlike other people, the kitten does not judge or loathe Gerty.

How does True fulfill "The Law of Kindness"?

Cummins expounds, “He placed her in bed, and soon succeeded in restoring her to consciousness; but for three weeks she never sat up, except when True held her in his arms. True was a rough and clumsy man about most things; but not so in the care of his little charge.” True upholds compassion when handling Gerty. Although Gerty is vulnerable True does not abuse or exploit her. He treats her humanely and like a father despite his non-existent experience with children, and the benevolent psychosocial support which True offers Gerty contributes to her eventual recovery.