W. Evan Smallwood
“‘Bunny’s never had a cent of pocket money the entire time I’ve known him,’ said Henry tartly. ‘And he has expensive tastes. That is unfortunate.’ We resumed eating in silence” (Tartt 128).
Is it a literary representation of the power of truth? Can four sentences of truth topple four-hundred paragraphs of lies? In this brief passage, Donna Tartt shatters the philosophy that her characters live by: aesthetics above all. It is a rather striking departure from the rest of the book in both content and style. The sentences are quite pointed, unlike the sweeping, poetic descriptions of the story’s narration. They cut right to the heart of the matter. Certainly, this passage draws a sharp contrast between the fabricated image of Bunny and the unflinching reality. Tartt uses sharp deviances from the normal tone and style of the book to stress this dissonance between aesthetics and substance, demonstrating Bunny’s overemphasis on appearances and material objects.
So, what makes the passage so effective at creating that contrast?
First is the content. Tartt uses the natural “shock” of a major plot reveal to highlight this disconnect between appearance and reality. Bunny had previously referred to an immense wealth he purportedly possessed (“Not exactly the Polo Lounge, but for Vermont it’s not too bad…” (Tartt 49)) and made quite a show of that status (“Bunny had paid for the taxi. He’d even made sort of a big deal of it” (Tartt 63)). He perhaps has the most egotistical and elitist tendencies of the group, frequently bragging about himself and critiquing others for their appearances. A significant portion of his personality is based on his financial status and image as a lavish spender. However, this passage reveals that Bunny has greatly exaggerated his wealth. So, in reversing a major aspect of his character, the audience becomes keenly aware of Bunny’s contradictions and his misplaced value of material things.
Secondly — and perhaps more significant than the content itself — the style of this passage leaves a major impact on the reader and highlights the contrast between Bunny’s presentation and reality. The passage is a major revelation that is presented with a cool, almost nonchalant attitude. It is not a belabored, dramatic ordeal like a sinking ship in a James Cameron movie. There is no sense of overwhelming anger. Henry only says these things “tartly,” with the slightest bit of annoyance. He also refers to the situation as “unfortunate,” indicating a feeling of pity rather than anger. His description of the issue is simply a matter-of-fact statement. And much of that incisive nature can be owed to the syntax. Because there are few complex phrases or wordings, there is a staccato feel to the passage. All of this works to defy the expectations of the readers and ultimately strengthen the effect of this moment.
But what of it? Why does this matter?
The form and substance of this quote works quite well in driving home a major theme in this novel — and has broader implications for Dark Academia as an aesthetic. The contrast created by this passage brings into crystal-clear focus the common disconnect between appearance and reality. And the unraveling of Bunny’s complex systems of illusions is an allegory of the most extreme effects of this phenomenon. While many (including Richard’s friends) would dismiss the emphasis of aesthetics as something of purely topical consequence, Bunny’s case proves this wrong. When there is no substance to back an aesthetic, arbitrary value systems are inevitable. While Henry seemed to have accepted Bunny’s lies as an unfortunate scheme, it calls into question the whole group’s philosophy. Perhaps aesthetics above all is not a phrase to live by?
Works Cited:
- Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. La ghirlandata. 1873, Guildhall Art Gallery, London. ArtUK, https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/la-ghirlandata-51253.
- Stairway to Hell. (Ghost Island, Japan). Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/glorious-ruins–246501779575650171/.
- Tartt, Donna. The Secret History. Alfred A. Knopf, 1992.