This week, Joey, Colin, and Jennifer discuss “Consolation,” by Andre Alexis, from The New Yorker. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, love, betrayal, and memory, framed around a narrator reflecting on his parents’ tumultuous relationship. The story explores themes such as generational trauma, racial identity, and the ambiguous nature of love, while grounding its narrative in the lives of the characters as they navigate difficult personal and societal circumstances.
Our Thoughts
Jennifer opens the discussion with mixed feelings about the story but notes the richness of its emotional and generational themes. She focuses on the story’s exploration of love and loyalty, as well as how the narrator’s father’s deathbed confessional on love serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative.
“Spending some time thinking about the nature of love… His father’s opening statement, his deathbed confessional… The narrator immediately says, ‘Yeah, I’m glad my dad said that, but I think he could be wrong,’ and I thought that was also a very interesting dynamic.”
— Jennifer
Joey expresses his frustrations with the story, particularly in the lack of focus on the mother, Helen, who is mentioned at the beginning and end but remains somewhat absent in the middle of the narrative. Joey is struck by how the mother’s role seems minimized, despite her bearing much of the emotional weight of the family’s struggles.
“Helen ultimately sheds the trauma of her marriage and dies comforted by the memory of the love of her husband. So, it made me ask the question: What’s more ideal, dying in denial or delusion?”
— Joey
Colin relates to the story on a personal level, noting the setting in Ottawa and some personal connections with people from Trinidad. He also appreciates the story’s approach to discovery, where the narrator tries to piece together the past and make sense of his parents’ actions, particularly his father’s infidelity.
“What I liked about this story is that it resonated on that level. I can almost feel… the protagonist of the story is trying to discover the meaning.”
— Colin
Key Themes
- Generational Trauma: The story explores how trauma and emotional wounds are passed from one generation to another, particularly in how the narrator views his parents’ relationship.
- The Nature of Love and Loyalty: The father’s assertion that “any decision made based on love is the right decision” prompts a deep discussion about whether love can justify betrayal and hurt.
- Race and Identity: Jennifer points out the racial dynamics present in the story, with the narrator’s family being among the first Black families in their community, as well as their relationship with outsiders.
- Memory and Denial: The theme of memory, especially the selective and unreliable nature of memory, is central to the story, particularly as characters grapple with their pasts and with the onset of dementia.
- Power Dynamics in Relationships: The story highlights the complex power dynamics between the narrator’s parents, with the mother maintaining a sense of ownership over her husband due to her sacrifices for his success.
Conclusion
Joey, Colin, and Jennifer wrap up their discussion by reflecting on the deep emotional resonance of “Consolation.” They highlight how the story’s themes of love, trauma, and memory offer a poignant exploration of human relationships. The story leaves many questions unresolved, particularly around the nature of love and loyalty, but this ambiguity is what makes it such a powerful piece. Ultimately, Alexis’s story invites readers to consider the complexities of family, identity, and the sometimes painful pursuit of understanding one’s past.