Close Reading on Coming Through Slaughter

After reading the novel Coming through Slaughter, I decided to perform a close reading of two sections of the storyline. One will be presented on this entry, and the other on this entry’s second edition. The following extract is placed in the storyline when Nora receives a visitor.

“Hello Webb, come in.

Thanks. Buddy must be out.

She half laughed. Buddy! And then looked quizzical at him.

Then shook her head.

Yeah, you better come in Webb.” (19)  

Analysis:

When Webb says “Buddy must be out” he implies that he is not welcomed by Buddy, maybe he is jealous of Webb, afraid that he may steal his lady (19). Nora’s actions suggest that she knows that Buddy will get angry if she sees Webb, so she assures that Bolden isn’t home.  Her laughing also suggest that she is a trouble maker and she knows it.

Bis.

The second extract is from the end of the novel in the exact moment when Bolden dies.

“Bolden’s hand going up

in agony.

His brain driving it up into the

path of the circling fan.” (136)

Analysis:

Bolden’s raising hand represents not only his physical agony, but also his internal suffering when committing suicide. Suicide is implied in the phrase “His brain driving it up...” (136). This phrase also suggests that he is mad and can’t control his actions, to the point of self destruction.