In this episode, Jennifer, Joey, Sandy, and Ben discuss “Abject Naturalism” by Sarah Barnsting, featured in the July 29th, 2024 issue of The New Yorker. The story follows Tony, a single mother, as she navigates the challenges of raising her daughter Amelie while dealing with financial instability, creative struggles, and a budding relationship with an older neighbor, Marco. Themes of fear, control, aging, and the limitations placed on creative expression intertwine in this exploration of family dynamics and personal growth.

Our Thoughts

Jennifer opens by expressing her initial fascination with the story, particularly with Tony’s internal struggle to validate her creative work. She is drawn to the tension between Tony’s former recognition as a talented writer and her subsequent rejection by her professor, which shapes Tony’s sense of self-worth throughout the story.

“I was most struck by the comments about Tony reading her stories to her peers and being praised, only to be crushed when her professor dismissed her work entirely. Who gets to validate your creativity?”
— Jennifer

Joey dives into the idea of danger and the lessons Tony tries to instill in her daughter, noting how Tony crosses the line between cautiousness and instilling fear. He points out how Tony creates a nameless, faceless “monster” lurking in the shadows, representing both real and imagined threats.

“It’s a fine line between teaching kids to be safe and instilling fear. Tony is definitely instilling fear with her ‘stranger danger’ lessons, crossing a line that could do more harm than good.”
— Joey

Sandy reflects on the realism of the story, particularly from her perspective as a mother and teacher. She identifies with Tony’s hyper-vigilance and appreciates the authenticity of the single-parent experience portrayed in the story. Sandy is intrigued by Tony’s search for stability, not just for herself but for her daughter as well.

“The complications of being a single parent today, especially the financial and social pressures, really resonated with me. Tony’s drive to create a safe family unit, even with someone like Marco, feels so authentic.”
— Sandy

Ben appreciates the story’s exploration of voyeurism and privacy, discussing Marco’s use of a broken telescope to look into people’s lives. He finds the progression of intimacy between Tony and Marco interesting, particularly how Tony’s initial confrontation with Marco evolves into a more complex emotional relationship.

“Marco uses a telescope to peek into other people’s lives, and that’s symbolic of the way Tony starts to let him into her life. There’s this tension between curiosity and invasion of privacy.”
— Ben

Key Themes Discussed

• Parental Fear and Overprotection: Tony’s hyper-vigilance as a single mother leads her to instill unnecessary fear in her daughter, which may have long-term effects on Amelie’s sense of independence.
• Creative Validation and Failure: The story touches on the struggle for creative validation, as Tony reflects on her past rejection by her professor and how it stunted her confidence. This theme is central to her sense of self-worth and her journey back to writing.
• Relationships and Power Dynamics: The emerging relationship between Tony and Marco is complex, with elements of both romantic interest and emotional dependency. The age difference between them adds layers of power dynamics, with Tony seemingly seeking security for herself and her daughter.
• Voyeurism and Privacy: Marco’s voyeuristic tendencies are symbolic of the blurred boundaries between curiosity and intrusion, as Tony’s desire to understand and control her environment manifests in her interactions with Marco.
• Freedom and Control: Tony’s struggle for control, both in her life and in her parenting, contrasts with Marco’s more laid-back approach. The story examines how control, or the lack of it, influences their interactions and decisions.

Conclusion

The group concludes that “Abject Naturalism” is a layered narrative that explores the intersections of fear, creativity, and the search for stability in an uncertain world. Sarah Barnsting’s portrayal of Tony as a complex and flawed character resonates deeply, offering a window into the internal struggles of a single mother navigating financial pressures, parental anxieties, and a new relationship. The story’s subtle commentary on voyeurism, control, and validation leaves much to ponder, making it a rich topic for discussion.