ESSAY SAMPLE ON "MALAMUD - THE NAKED NUDE"
Thesis: In his picturesque short story, "The Naked Nude", Bernard Malamud
uses the female characters to develop, enact, and resolve Fidelman's epiphany
and to bring about the protagonist's final, artistic self-understanding.
I. Introductory paragraph--statement of thesis.
II. The prostitutes
A. in contrast to Fidelman's initial idea of the artistic nude
B. "maybe too many naked women around made it impossible to
draw a nude"--establish basis of conflict within Fidelman III. Teresa
A. flat, static character--functions totally as a touchstone for
Fidelman
B. provides Fidelman's first turn towards artistic epiphany
IV. Bessie, his sister
A. childhood memory brings about full epiphany
V. Venus of Urbino
A. aesthetic constant--she, as a painting, remains static
B. Fidelman's method of viewing her evolves, providing his
epiphany
VI. Relationship of female characters VII. Conclusion and restatement of thesis.
McBee 1 The Elusive Form: Female Characters in "Naked Nude"
Bernard Malamud, a leading contemporary Jewish author, skirts between fantasy
and reality in his almost allegorical short fiction, teaching the reader a
lesson through coinciding elements of beauty and comedy. Venturing away from his
usual, inner-city Jewish element, Malamud tackles new challenges of subject and
setting in his novelistic collection of short stories, Pictures of Fidelman .
Malamud develops his protagonist through a series of six, interrelated short
works, each of which may function entirely independent from the others. In "The
Naked Nude," for instance, Fidelman comes to a new, artistic maturity through
his attempt to copy the famous painting "Venus of Urbino" by Titian Tiziano.
Malamud's recurring theme of self-knowledge through suffering permeates this
short work. Scarpio and Angelo, as primary antagonists, provide the bulk of this
suffering for Fidelman. It is his own mental captivity concerning the female
nude, however, that gives cause for Fidelman's eventual epiphany as an artist
and as an individual. His relationship to the women in the work shapes his
ability to capture the form of the "Venus" and to come to grips with his own
self-worth. In "The Naked Nude," Bernard Malamud uses the female characters to
develop, enact, and resolve Fidelman's epiphany and to bring about the
protagonist's final, artistic self understanding.
At the story's outset, Fidelman is forced to act as janitor and manservant to a
group of ill mannered prostitutes under the employment of the padrone, Angelo.
These offensive characters establish the first of a series of mental obstacles
in the imprisoned protagonist's attempt to copy Titian's nude. They torment
Fidelman with cynical laughter and exploit his demeaning position. His sexual
insecurity is established at the beginning of the story when he ponders his
violent guillotine sketch, asking "A man's head or his sex?...either case a
terrible wound" (Malamud McBee 2 318). The limited omniscient narrator,
revealing Fidelman's thoughts and feelings, also suggests that he could gain "no
inspiration from whores," and that "maybe too many naked women around made it
impossible to draw a nude" (Malamud 325). This illustrates Fidelman's early
accreditation of his artistic impotency to desensitization. He soon recognizes,
however, that the way in which he views the "Venus" also interrupts his
progress. In his effort to dissociate the portrayed goddess from the distasteful
prostitutes, Fidelman doesn't see the true nature of her physical beauty. He
sees only her "extraordinary flesh that can turn body into spirit" (Malamud
323). Any natural physical beauty present in the prostitutes escapes the
copyist, as he embraces form over fact and the inherent spirit over the actual
body.
Teresa, the "asthmatic, hairy-legged chambermaid" (Malamud 319), provides
Fidelman's first turn towards artistic self-awareness and towards capturing the
elusive "Venus of Urbino." She is a flat, static character, functioning solely
as a touchstone for Fidelman to compare the naked and the nude. After fudging
his first attempt to enhance her form, he "consider(s) her with half open eyes"
(Malamud 326). After having her don one of the prostitute's slips, "Fidelman,
with a lump in his throat, (gets) her to lie down with him on a dusty mattress
in the room" (326). Her blatant nakedness hidden, Fidelman finds a conceptual
beauty in the dull chambermaid. This leads to an uncontrollable lust. Instead of
viewing her physical body to embrace a pure, aesthetic form, he covers her,
viewing his imagination's pure feminine form and embracing her physical body. At
this point in the story the protagonist and the reader get an idea of his
previous artistic misconception.
It is the erotic memory of his sister Bessie, however, that brings Fidelman's
epiphany full circle. He relieves a childhood memory in a dream in which he
watches her bathe, and the next day he is able to assimilate all of the nudes he
has
McBee 3 ever seen to recreate "Venus" in actual flesh-and-bone. He is faced with
the realization that "love is often most real when it is most perverse" (Helterman,
84).
He had caught the figure of the Venus but when it came to her flesh
he never thought he would make it. As he painted he seemed to
remember every nude he had ever done...in every conceivable shape
or position...at the same time choked by remembered lust for all the
women he had ever desired, from Bessie to Annamaria Oliovino, and
for their garters, underpants, slips, brassiers and stockings. (Malamud
329) This somewhat perverse, revived lust for his sister opens a new door for
Fidelman. He is able to deal with his guilt. The nude form is realized rather
than idealized. He uses the total sum of his past lust to create, abandoning his
former idealistic, Platonic approach.
In the beginning of the story, Titian's "Venus of Urbino" is elusively enigmatic
for the distraught protagonist. He falls in love with her in the Isola Bella
castello:
The golden brown-haired Venus, a woman of the real world, lay on
her couch..., her nude body her truest accomplishment. 'I would
have painted somebody in bed with her,' Scarpio said. 'Shut up,'
said Fidelman. Scarpio, hurt, left the gallery. Fidelman, alone with
Venus, worshiped the painting. (Malamud 322) This scene offers some interesting
hints. Her position on a couch, for instance, marks Titian's "Venus" as an
obvious departure from the wispy, spiritual Venus floating in on her pink shell
in Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." Titian's is an earth-bound Venus: natural,
fleshy, and almost plump. Scarpio's crude comment becomes a kind of
foreshadowing irony, suggesting a physical recognition of the feminine form
presented. Fidelman cannot give in to his aesthetic love of the "Venus" until he
recognizes her on this natural plain and abandons his childhood guilt.
McBee 4
His completion of the copy, many critics argue, marks the protagonist's
assimilation of both love and lust, filling a void in his life. Edward A.
Abramson explains that "copying Titian's masterpiece becomes not so much a
quasi-artistic exercise as an attempt to fill a gap in his love starved life"
(Abramson 83). In turn, Fidelman recognizes himself as an artist through the
work. Christof Wegelin suggests this notion:
The nude he paints is "naked," as the title of the story proclaims,
because it represents his own life, himself: 'The Venus of Urbino,
c'est moi!' The liberation of the creative flow initiates the liberation
of the man.... For by choosing his own creation he has chosen him-
self. (Wegelin 144-5) Fidelman experiences a fulfilling epiphany through his
Venus, and it results in a fulfilled love.
Notably, some critics have emphasized the negative aspects of Fidelman's
"epiphany." Robert Ducharme, for instance, insists that "it should be remembered
that Fidelman's theft of his own work has been motivated by self-love as much as
anything" (Ducharme, 174). It is true that Fidelman assumes a sort-of selfish
arrogance at the work's conclusion. This view, however, is derived from the
story's position within the larger collection, Pictures of Fidelman . The other
stories seem to gravitate around a contrasting set of themes. In its own
context, however, "Naked Nude" suggests that self-love is a
An erection is a natural part of life. Naturists realize this and will not take offence as long as it is not being flaunted. If an erection does occur, a strategically placed towel, a dip in a cool pool, or rolling over on your stomach will take care of it.
What do I do if I am menstruating? Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms.
Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand.
I don't have a good body, I don't want others to see me nude. The concept of the perfect body is a myth. We believe that the stress caused by the unrealistic expectations of society is very damaging. Naturists practice body acceptance. When you visit a naturist environment, you will find all types of bodies. All shapes, sizes, ages, colours&emdash;many of them with the signs of a full life.
Isn't it dangerous to expose myself to so much sun? The removal of a skimpy bathing suit does little to increase your exposure to the sun, but people exposed to the sun should be careful when they enjoy the outdoors.
Some evidence is suggesting that moderate sun exposure is good for you. For more details, click here.
Won't nudity take away intimacy with my partner and desensitize us to sexuality? Sexuality is in the mind. It is an artificial form of sexuality that causes a person to be aroused merely by seeing a body part which one does not normally see. Attraction does not depend on whether people are nude or not. In fact, you will probably find them more attractive if they are wearing suggestive clothing.
We believe that naturists have healthier sexuality, since they are more comfortable with themselves and their bodies. Naturists can enjoy the sexual act with their partner without feeling self-conscious about their nudity.
Children in naturism?
Is naturism good for children? Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic naturists. We have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you may observe them squeal with delight when they are allowed to run around nude. It is only in their later years that they are pressured into being self-conscious and adopt older people's phobias about the body.
We believe that it is healthier for children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. We don't think there is any advantage in teaching them to be ashamed and embarrassed by certain parts of their bodies.
Is naturism safe for children? It is clear that being dressed has not kept children safe. The best thing we can do is teach our children the confidence to speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not ashamed of their bodies, they are much more likely to tell their parents when someone does things to them that they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong.
Although good parenting is by far the most important factor in raising children, naturism helps to promote their confidence and understanding about their bodies.
Don't children get confused as to when and where they can be nude? Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it is acceptable. Unlike non-naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes we need to dress for practical reasons (e.g. weather).
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Miami Nude
Beach Nudity, Please Read!
There's something liberating about the antic of being naked. The
freedom. The exhilaration. The lack of pocket lint. Unfortunately, for
most people the notion of nudity requires some rationale - no matter how
silly that rationale may be. Streaking across a football field.
Skinny-dipping in a lake. Mooning for the camera. Photocopying your
butt. Playing naked Twister. Flashing a nun after sixth-period class,
hoping she didn't recognize you and isn't at this instant phoning your
parents. For most people, it's all about the naughty thrill of getting
caught or exposing a private part. But not for all. No, for many it's
perfectly routine, as normal and natural as, say, kissing hands or shaking
a baby.
Nude beaches are the perfect denominators for these two groups, the
puritans and the pure exhibitionists, the fakirs and the non-fakers. Think
of it as a big game of strip poker where everybody has crappy hands. The
thing to remember is that nude sunbathing isn't about sex or exhibitionism
- we'll leave that to the nudist colonies and Courtney Love. Nude
sunbathing is about elation and free-spiritedness (and avoiding wedgies
and ugly tan lines).
I've made the trek to No Clothes Land many a time. I've dropped trou in
Europe, where it's no big deal - heck, even the Royal Family has displayed
a boob or two (not counting Prince Charles). Black's Beach in San Diego
is world famous for nude sun worshipping. And, of course, here in Miami,
we have Haulover Beach.
One of the misconceptions about nudity is that every human body is
beautiful (Right). The key to inoffensive nude sunbathing is to do just
that - sunbathe. Do not play volleyball in the buff. No grilling or
barbecuing. Even if your Playgirl's Mr. January, do not perform an oil
and air filter change on your auto while naked. An watch the jogging -
you could poke somebody's eye out.
Nude beachgoers often have their social cliques and routines. They picnic
and fraternize, and they love to mingle. Zoiks. These people who sashay
up and down the beach wearing nothing but a smile and a spare tire are the
same folks you find in the receiving line at a wedding wielding a business
card and a can of Binaca.
When I venture to Haulover, I stick close to my blanket or hit the water.
I don’t wander about. It’s like you want to work the room, but there’s
no place to put your hands and no appropriate place to hang your Walkman.
(Plus, you feel like you’ve gone to a party and everyone’s wearing the
same thing.) Personally, I happen to like being naked. It’s never
bothered me. I often get home from work, disrobe, and sit naked on my
couch eating cereal. (Did I just cross the line of too much information?)
Some people are uncomfortable naked. I’m not. What I do have a problem
with, however, is being ugly and naked. Statistics show that the number
of people who enjoy nude sunbathing is proportionate to those who should
put something on. Like a tarp. Or one of those tents that they use when
they’re debugging a house. That one of the reasons why I prefer the
sanctity of my blanket. I can feign sleep (or death, if necessary) should
some naked old man approach me and start to discuss today’s undertow as he
squats liberally in front of me.
Sunscreen: I’d be remiss if I didn’t stress the importance of proper
protection. Those regions that rarely see the light of day are the first
to succumb to the sun’s deadly rays. Hence, watch your behind, or your
buns will be toast. As for – how do I say this politely – garnishing your
weenie, yes, your little buddy needs sunblock, but remember, you’re in
public. There a fine line between safety and pleasure when applying
lotion to Mr. Happy. I’ve seen guys go at it like they’re greasing a fire
pole. So take it easy. Don't make things hard on yourself.
When it comes to accessories, there are certain things you should and
should not bring to a nude beach. Telescopes and binoculars are definite
no-nos. You may think of this as a ball game, but I’m sure the Red Sox
would beg to differ. Likewise with a camcorder – carrying a video camera
at a nude beach is the pervert’s equivalent of driving by a schoolyard
with a van full of candy. As for ready, avoid books with titles like
Justice of the Piece. Stick to Field and Stream, Reader’s Digest or the
Gideon Bible. Sunglasses are a must. If you’re gonna ogle, at least do
it behind your Maui Jims.
As for your random beach bump-ins, there are obvious encounters. Besides
bodies that you’d rather not see naked, piercings are immensely popular.
Popular, I surmise, because they’re in places that wouldn’t necessarily
be exposed at Publix (unless you shop at the new one by the bay). I’ve
seen nipples that look like parachute rip cords.
And below the belt, I’ve seen piercings that made me recoil. (Come to
think of it, I’ve seen coils down there, too.) And little napkin rings.
And something called a Prince Albert. I’ve seen less metal at a gun
show. And shaving. Hmmmm. Apparently trimming the hedges has become all
the rage. Some folks go for the close cropping; others like it smooth. I
haven’t seen topiary this creative since I was at the Botanical Gardens.
Nude sunbathing can be a kick, an exciting way to liven up an otherwise
dull day at the beach. For the ladies, it means being able to wear a
sundress without worrying about unsightly strap lines. For the guys, it
means there’s no need to adjust the boys: it’s a wind sock now. For all
of us it means an escape, a break from our daily worries and cares, a
moment’s freedom where less is so much more – except when it comes to that
sunscreen.