David Leavitt's "Gravity"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the title of David Leavitt's book "Gravity" represents the double motif in the story, which are the finality of his last days of life and the effect this has on his mother and the inevitable force that spares no one. The author points out that gravity is a universal force and the cause of virtually all deterioration of both human beings and their structures; although others may not die of the same disease that will take Theo, they all will die eventually. The paper relates that gravity also has a metaphysical and psychological meaning because it is the force that pulls down toward the earth and must be must be reckoned with just as Theo's mother is willing to defy gravity as long as she needs to be a source of support for Theo.

From the Paper:

"Theo has come home to his mother's house to die, and in a recollection he describes his first experience at the theater, enhanced by his mother's putting her own glasses on her son to enable him to see the action clearly. He wonders how deeply his mother is affected by his current condition and the various inconveniences and unpleasantries associated with his care, performed by his mother with no show of emotion. As the two attempt to engage in the normal activities of everyday life as much as possible, they enter a gift shop to buy a wedding present for his cousin. Theo's mother has always engaged in a competition with her sister, Bibi, regarding their sons. Bibi has only given Theo trivial gifts, so she wants to buy a suitably impressive gift to show her up."

More papers on David Leavitt's "Gravity":

• Essay # 15741 : "Danny in Transit" by David Leavitt and "Columbia' by Jacquelyn Park"
• Analytical Essay # 136583 : "Gravity Model"
• Essay # 70414 : "Gravity and Velocity"

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