215-216

Pg 219, Cal describing Desdemona’s atrocity fansI like the way Cal describes this scene. I think it show how much control Desdemona really has. She is constantly attempting to make Milton feel guilty about neglecting his Greek roots. In this scene she is convincing his that you Calliope must have a Greek Orthodox baptism. I think it is somewhat comical how Cal describes how everyone knows that Desdemona will get what she wants when she pulls out her fan. They are also another way Desdemona keeps looking back to her life in Greece. Each fan is sent from Greece after she sends money to the “Patriarchate in Constantinople.” Cal describes her fanning as not just back and forth but a deep agitation from within.

I like the way Cal varies the way he tells the story, especially when he Is describing the home movies. I think it is interesting how he describes what is happening on the video, kind of the way he would be describing what is happening to a blind man. We can only guess what they actually looked like as kids but through lines like “The setting was our dining room, decorated with balloons. On my head sit’s the usual conical hat” (227). It gives us a sense of nostalgia to think back to our 7 year of birthday party. It is an interesting way to show that reader the next chapter of his life. I also like the way Cal asks questions to himself. For example, he asks “Why was this Milton’s last movie?” then he tries to answer the question. I think it makes Cal seem like he knows everything about his family and their thoughts. I think this adds to the storytelling. Although his accusations of what his father was thinking at that very moment may not be correct, Cal’s theories enhance the story. It makes a work of fiction seem more valid.