A Portrait of Modern Life in Carnal Knowledge :: Carnal Knowledge Essays

A delineation of Modern Life in Carnal noesis   T. C. Boyles Carnal Knowledge is a very funny, and at the same time truthful word-painting of both(prenominal) of the things which are going on in the world today. His translation of the narrator and the way he thinks, as well as his characterization of Alena Jorgensen, leaves the reader wondering if they have ever believed so strongly in something or acted the same way to help r all(prenominal) their goal. What actualizes this story so unique and is that takes place in our world, in a world were some people are fond of Kentucky Fried whiner or Chicken McNuggets (245) and others dont eat meat or fish or milk or cheese or eggs, and they didnt wear wool or leather  or fur (248). T. C. Boyle uses his sarcastic, yet at the same time believable, style to make the reader feel as if he was in the main characters shoes. The designer guides the reader through the different stages of the characters evolution and shows how differ ent aspects of society work on his thinking. In the end, the character concludes, just as I have, that no bailiwick what people say  its only meat (257).   The story begins with the narrator beingness a man in his mid-thirties, with a stable job, and a practice life. The only thing missing in his life seems to be a female companion. He wants to find somebody he likes, understands and has something in car park with, and he is sick of making the acquaintance of a divorced ready reckoner programmer in her mid thirties with three kids and bad schnorchel (246) and her like.   consequently when he meets Alena Jorgensen he becomes bewitched and begins to try to impress her, and put together common interests. He becomes almost totally submissive as their kindred grows and unconsciously begins to do things he never thought of or cared well-nigh doing before. T. C. Boyle shows this progression in the narrators character by describing the characters changing behavior an d aspirations. Thus he shows how a normal man with twentieth century urban American sensibility (Utley) becomes a radical activist for animal rights. Something was chance to me  I could feel it in the way the boards shifted under me, feel it with each beat of the surf  and I was ready to go along with it. (249).