This week, Colin, Jennifer, and Joey discuss Vincent’s Party by Tessa Hadley, published in the June 23rd, 2024, issue of The New Yorker. The story follows Evelyn, a naive young woman, as she and her sister Moira attend Vincent’s eclectic party, where class dynamics, social interactions, and gender roles are subtly explored against a post-World War II backdrop. The narrative delves into themes of initiation, self-discovery, and societal expectations, as Evelyn navigates the complex social world for the first time.

Our Thoughts

Colin highlights the subtle defiance of expectations in the story, appreciating how Hadley sets up a potentially dramatic plotline but instead centers the narrative on the everyday, ordinary experiences of her characters. He draws a comparison between Vincent’s Party and modernist works, pointing out how Evelyn lives in her head and references novels for understanding life’s complexities. He also notes how the story is ultimately about Evelyn’s initiation into adulthood and her transformation from being an observer to a more confident, active participant in life.

“Once again, we have a story about the importance of the everyday experience, and it’s not to be underestimated. I love this story for its description of detail, the mood it evokes, and how it deftly defies expectations.”
— Colin

Jennifer focuses on the theme of identity and how fashion serves as a form of expression and self-exploration in the story. She discusses how Evelyn, Moira, and Vincent use clothing to reflect their internal aspirations, with Evelyn trying to adopt a Parisian look and Vincent donning flamboyant outfits that set him apart. Jennifer also touches on the sexism and class divides present in the interactions between Evelyn and the two wealthy men at the party, noting how these men represent a certain old-school mentality about women’s roles in society.

“Evelyn stands in front of the mirror trying to look carefree and easy, tying her scarf six times to make sure it looks just right. It’s such an oxymoron—this staged thing of trying to look free and breezy.”
— Jennifer

Joey dives into the juxtaposition between the two posh men at the party and Don, a more endearing but less physically attractive character. He admires how Don is portrayed as the antithesis of the predatory behavior of the wealthier men, showing respect and kindness toward Evelyn. Joey also reflects on the dynamics of consent and power, contrasting Don’s gentle demeanor with the aggressive, entitled behavior of the other men.

“Don is the nice guy, showing a healthy way to engage with consent and potential partners. He’s ready to assist Evelyn, giving her his jacket to keep her warm, whereas the posh men are selfish, entitled, and crossing boundaries.”
— Joey

Key Themes Discussed

• Initiation and Self-Discovery: Evelyn’s journey throughout the story is an initiation into adulthood and the complexities of the social world, as she moves from being naive and sheltered to gaining more confidence and agency.
• Class and Social Divides: The stark contrasts between the wealthy posh men and the more down-to-earth characters like Don highlight the class dynamics at play. Vincent’s party brings together people from different social strata, but the interactions reveal the deep divides and prejudices that remain.
• Gender and Power: The story explores gender roles and the power dynamics between men and women. Jennifer and Joey both note how the wealthy men try to assert their dominance through charm and entitlement, while Evelyn grapples with her naivety and developing sense of agency.
• Fashion and Identity: The characters use clothing to express their personalities and social aspirations. Evelyn carefully constructs her appearance to fit in, while Vincent’s eclectic fashion sense makes him a central figure who bridges different social groups.
• Consent and Boundaries: The discussion brings out the tension between the predatory behavior of the posh men and Don’s respectful approach. Joey and Colin debate the subtleties of consent and how the men’s actions reflect broader issues of power and entitlement in social interactions.

Conclusion

The group concludes that Vincent’s Party is a richly layered story that uses a seemingly ordinary event to explore deep themes of class, identity, gender, and initiation into adulthood. Through Evelyn’s experiences at the party, Hadley subtly unpacks the complexities of navigating social worlds and the ways in which individuals shape and are shaped by their surroundings. The story leaves readers eager to follow Evelyn’s journey as it continues in Hadley’s forthcoming novel.