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In the narrative of Philemon's transformation, Can Themba takes readers on a poignant journey through the evolution of a character's personality. Philemon, initially portrayed as a devoted husband and a compassionate friend, undergoes a dramatic alteration, ultimately becoming a detached and cruel spouse. This essay delves into the intricacies of Philemon's character progression, delving deep into the factors that contributed to his profound change, while also exploring the text's religious symbolism and its implications on his actions.
At the outset of the story, Philemon is introduced as a loving husband, deeply content with his life.
He sees his wife through a lens of admiration, describing her as a 'sleeping serenity' and a 'multifaceted miracle.' His happiness radiates, and he grins at what he perceives as the whimsicality of life's caprices. However, beneath this veneer of contentment, Philemon's self-image is marred by narcissistic tendencies.
Despite living in a world marked by poverty and hardships, Philemon distorts his perspective to align with his idealized reality.
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His perception of gender dynamics, wherein men are superior to women, contrasts with his willingness to assist his wife with household chores. The initial happiness painted in the story serves as a stark contrast to the impending sorrow.
As the narrative unfolds, Philemon's character takes on a different shade when his friend, Maphikela, bravely discloses his wife's adultery. Philemon, while noticing a shift in Maphikela's demeanor, remains oblivious to his wife's transformation. It is a classic case of 'none are so blind as those who do not wish to see.' Philemon's compassion still lingers, as he encourages trust and open communication, expressing that one can confide in him.
Philemon's character undergoes a radical transformation following the revelation of his wife's infidelity.
He is thrust into a whirlwind of intense negative emotions, symbolized by 'menacing electrical flashes leaping from coil to coil.' His emotional turmoil is vividly portrayed during a bus ride, mirroring his turbulent journey from emotional stability to chaos.
After this emotional eruption, Philemon seemingly regains his composure. However, beneath the surface, a cruel dictator begins to emerge. His treatment of Mathilda, his wife, takes a sinister turn. He revels in emotionally abusing and manipulating her through a meticulously crafted ritual involving a suit.
The suit, in Philemon's eyes, becomes a living embodiment of Mathilda's betrayal. Philemon's demeanor shifts from overt displays of emotion to a calculated and patronizing attitude. His threats of violence are subtly woven into his interactions with Mathilda, who now lives in perpetual fear.
Philemon continues to exert control over Mathilda through emotional abuse, using guilt as his primary tool. His dominance is emphasized by his refusal to discuss Mathilda's adultery with others, a common trait in abusers. He remains self-absorbed, indifferent to Mathilda's suffering, and clings to his distorted beliefs.
As the narrative unfolds, Philemon gradually becomes aware of the abnormality of his behavior, as indicated by his reading of a book on abnormal psychology. However, he persists in his abusive rituals and maintains a hypocritical stance, vacillating between moments of calm and tyranny.
Philemon's role as a dictator intensifies as he subjects Mathilda to relentless emotional persecution. The ritual involving the suit becomes a continuous torment, symbolizing his desire to nourish her guilt. Any deviation from this ritual leads to harassment, and Philemon becomes increasingly consumed by his distorted worldviews.
Despite Mathilda's suffering, she is too terrified to communicate with her husband. Philemon's behavior reflects his belief that he holds the moral high ground and his wife bears sole responsibility for their situation. His insistence on the ritual highlights his desperate attempts to maintain control.
As the narrative progresses, Philemon's inner turmoil intensifies as reality threatens to pierce his illusion. He continues to impose the ritual involving the suit, forcing Mathilda to take it to the dry cleaners and even accompanying her on a Sunday walk. The suit symbolizes the weight of Mathilda's transgression and her relentless guilt, while Philemon clings to the idea of punishing her.
Externally, Philemon and Mathilda appear as a normal, happy couple, concealing the truth of their fractured relationship. Philemon's reluctance to disclose Mathilda's adultery to others underscores his self-absorption and determination to maintain control.
Philemon's manipulation reaches its zenith when he allows Mathilda to host a party on a Sunday, a day with religious significance. In a cruel twist, he announces Mathilda as the 'guest of honor,' subjecting her to public humiliation. Her pleading only elicits further aggression, as Philemon uses his power to force her into an embarrassing situation.
Throughout the party, the facade of a normal couple is upheld, concealing the dark reality of their relationship. Philemon's callousness and psychological torment of Mathilda are laid bare, highlighting his determination to punish her for her transgression.
Ultimately, this narrative paints a harrowing portrait of Philemon, a character whose distorted perceptions of reality and an obsession with control lead to tragic consequences. His transformation from a joyful and contented individual to a merciless abuser culminates in the demise of his wife, Mathilda. The story ends with Philemon's realization of the catastrophic results of his actions, leaving him a shattered and broken man.
In the end, Philemon's story serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of unchecked power, emotional abuse, and the corrosive effects of a distorted worldview.
The Tragic Transformation of Philemon in "The Suit" by Can Themba. (2016, Jul 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-suit-by-can-themba-essay
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