The Story Pantomime Written by Laura Lam - Essay Example

In spite of the fact that he regards himself as a freak, stemming out of the secret which he struggles with in terms of gender identity; IphigeniaLauras who is a nobleman’s daughter realizes that she doesn’t fit the demands and definition of what is expected of women in a corset and crinoline world. She struggles both biologically and psychologically with the notion of both having two genders in one body. In addition, stemming from his past in dealing with his present circumstances, he finds that he has to properly handle his sexual feelings as pertains to his fellow aerialist Aenea and the white clown Drystan. They realize that there was nothing perturbing about a person being intersex and that there was more to it than was thought. This realization dawned on them both- Micah and Gene, when they had made the decision to lead their own lives as they were, and when the mysterious secrets of the world suddenly opened in 10,860.
Pantomime is a story about two different people trapped in the same body but who in their own different ways have impacted each other’s lives significantly. Moreover, while the intimate manner in which the author has treated sensitive issues generally associated with intersex people is deeply moving and empathy, however, it is not clear if the author precisely sought out the real information and experience from intersex people in spite of the fact that through the story, she appears to acknowledge rather than defend a lot of uncertainties existing by default between the two genders. But she brings out the point clearly when Micah and Gene question themselves in order to find out exactly whether their attraction is matter driven by the masculine or feminine nature. Thus, in as much as anybody is who they are, could a person’s biological sexuality really be the yardstick of defining who they are?
Pantomime as a story alternates between past and present and narrates Gene and Micah’s history as composed of elements of both shame and acceptance-especially from the brother Cyril, the unpleasant experiences with doctors and potential suitors, and in addition, they need to keep secrets. Throughout the story, it is clear that there is a close but distinct relationship not just between the body and gender identity, but also between the understanding of the body and the traditional roles that society generally accords gender in differentiation. For example, if one is a girl but feels different as a girl, does that make her any less of a girl? What if the said person likes being a boy or both? The author shows that gender identity is different from sexual identity especially when Micah seems to be both attracted to males and females. The attraction reveals in the narrative when sexually aroused Micah/Gene mentions both penile and nipple erections. Gene is raised and dressed as a girl, taught embroidery, how to play music and to dance. Against the backdrop, out of her mother’s concern, she is forcefully taken from one physician to another presumably to look for a cure. However, Gene reinvents herself as a boy-Micah and joins the circus as an apprentice aerialist, where she hides her past while experiencing more happiness and completeness than ever before. Without ever needing a ‘cure’ she finds her place and acceptance in the world. The author explores the critical questions of self-perception, self-acceptance and self-worth through the character of Gene/Micah’s attraction to males and females, loving music and dancing in the same vein as loving climbing trees and racing in the woods.
The setting of Pantomime is a land known as Ellada. Here, ancient and magical ancestors left behind mysterious and magical vestiges whose workings are hidden to the now non-magical human inhabitants. Alongside the magical gods who created this land were also the demi-gods called Kedi who were both male and female and believed to be the only complete creatures. Besides, the theKedi were super-strong, possessed advanced senses, never got ill and were worshiped including the Chimaera(divine humans mixed with animals such as mermaids, minotaurs and men with wings). Here, the author portrays the intersex people as awesome and wonderful and even magical enough to be compared to mermaids, etc. In as much as intersex people are real and do exist, making them magical gives a little exciting tinge and makes the controversial issues surrounding them a little better and more interesting.
The author employs the use of new words in an attempt not only to portray the intersex in good light but to try to show that it is a phenomenon that is not new to the world but existed many years before. This is revealed by the magical demi-god figure called the Kedi who are super-strong magical beings that are half-man and half-woman who were once worshipped with the Chimeras. TheKedi is used as a source of empowerment to Micah and to reassure him that he is not alone. This implies that bisexuals and transgender members come a long way having come from origins with roots once revered and worshipped as super-strong creatures for what they were and represented. That their existence in the past was the epitome of ‘complete’ humans. The author also uses Micah/Gene in an intriguing and informative way.Micah/Gene is amongst other things ostracized for being found in an abnormal body. Here the author tries to raise the conflict and dilemma that transgender people have to grapple with in coming to terms with the reality of their unique sexual identity.
Micah goes on to explore his desires thus overcoming the small limitations that are imposed by gender. Read More