The Ogre (Day 1)

Question 1: At the beginning of the novel Abel explains how Rachel used to call him an ogre, “a fabulous monster emerging from the mist of time.” He believes there is something mystical about himself, but in order to fit in, he cannot act as a monster. Monsters are usually pointed at and are more “exhibited” he explained. His career of running a Parisian garage could be a way of fitting in with society. Although he is called an ogre he has a completely normal job. The term ogre is used in a “metaphorical sense to disgusting persons who exploit, brutalize or devour their victims” (wikipedia.com). This term could be used then as a metaphor to the nazis.

Question 2: “But the reason I’m sitting down for a second time with my pen in my left hand, in front of this blank sheet of paper-the third page of my “Sinister Writings”- is that I’m standing at a crossroads…” (4-5). Crossroad are where things meet, both physical and abstract. Perhaps, it is Abel himself who is the abstract one. He is called an Orge so he is misunderstood. His “Sinister Writings” allow him to be himself. The way he thinks is also abstract. “I’ve always been shocked at the frivolous way people agonize about what’s going to happen to them after they die and don’t give a damn about what happened to them before they were born. The heretofore is just as important as the hereafter, especially as it probably holds the key to it.” (1). He believes he is from the “mists of times” which represents his “supernatural powers.” The term ogre is often used in fantasies and fairy tales, which would make sense that he has a mystical side. When he writes in his diary he can escape from his garage, his “paltry” or worthless, preoccupations and from himself. He believes everything happens for a reason so the time before birth would of course be just as important as the time after.