M A English II Semester
Paper III
Prose II
Unit 3
Critical Analysis of A.G. Gardiner’s Essay On a
Painted Face
In On a Painted Face by A.G. Gardiner we
have the theme of appearance, deception, confidence, acceptance, independence,
change and control. Taken from his Pebbles on the Shore collection the reader
realises from the beginning of the essay that Gardiner may be exploring the
theme of appearance. It is clear that Gardiner does not believe that the young
girl he meets on the street should be wearing make-up. He believes it takes
away from the natural beauty of a lady. Something which should not be enhanced
or rather in Gardiner’s eyes cannot be enhanced by make-up. It never dawns of
Gardiner that some women may prefer to wear make-up in order to boost their
confidence. They may not necessarily be trying to deceive the world or to
persuade the world that they still look as young and beautiful as they did in
their youth. It is inevitable that everybody will age and may not necessarily
be considered as beautiful as they once were. By applying make-up a woman is
not only giving herself confidence but she is delaying the inevitable. The time
when no matter how well the make-up is applied it will lose its effect. For
Gardiner make-up loses its effect the minute it is applied to a woman’s face regardless
of the woman’s age.
It is also
possible that Gardiner is unable to accept change. At the time the story was
written make-up would have been more available to women. Hence more women began
wearing make-up. It is for this reason that Gardiner is noticing how many women
are wearing make-up. If anything some critics might suggest that Gardiner is
being unnecessarily critical of women and may be threading on being
misogynistic. It is as though he is attempting to control women and how they
might look. An effort that many men (including Gardiner) would lose. In reality
make-up may have helped give women independence. To be allowed to decide for
themselves how they might wish to look. The intended target may have been a
male audience but nonetheless women were affording themselves the opportunity
to appear as they would like to appear. Pleasing not only themselves but other
men who do not think like Gardiner.
What is also
interesting about the story is how angry Gardiner feels about the issue.
Something which may lead some readers to suggest that Gardiner is aware that
the world around him is changing and he feels threatened by this change or at
least unable to adapt to it. It might also be important that Gardiner considers
that it is okay for an actress or actor to wear make-up as they are partaking
in a fantasy. Yet a woman does not have the same right to apply make-up and
escape into a world in whereby she is not hurting anybody. It may also be a
case that many women feel discontent with how they look without make-up. Not
every woman has been treated kindly by nature. So it is inevitable that a woman
for the sake of confidence would apply make-up to her face. Again in reality
Gardiner considers it to be an abhorrent act yet the reality suggests it is
harmless and that the problem lies with Gardiner and his inability to accept
change. Gardiner also does not know how to react to young people who apply
make-up. Something that is clear from the beginning of the essay. Though the
young girl has not changed as a person. Gardiner treats her differently.
Gardiner also
doesn’t believe that women who apply make-up to their faces or who dye their
hair are in any way prettier than they previously were. Which may suggest that
Gardiner believes that the women are acting foolishly or at least deluding
themselves. If this is the case than it might be important to remember that a
woman is again independent of a man. She is entitled to do as she pleases, wear
what clothes she wishes and wear make-up if she desires. There is nothing that
Gardiner can do about it and this might be the most upsetting thing to Gardiner
and other men. They lack the ability to control a woman’s life. Where previous
generations of women may have felt submissive to the male. For Gardiner this is
not the case. The young girl who Gardiner meets is expressing a new found
confidence that should be appreciated and applauded. However Gardiner remains
in shock. Shocked enough that he is repulsed by the way that society has moved
on. It is as though Gardiner is not only unable to accept the present but he is
also finding it difficult to let go of the past and the belief that women
should not wear make-up. In reality the real problem lies with Gardiner and not
the women who choose to wear make-up.
In On Smiles by A.G. Gardiner we have the
theme of happiness, trust, change and appearance. Taken from his Many Furrows
collection the reader realises after reading the essay that Gardiner may be
exploring the theme of happiness or rather the happiness one receives from
seeing another person smile. For Gardiner there is also a difference between a
natural smile and one that an individual forces. The natural smile will cheer
up another person and make them forget their woes. While people have the
ability to see through a forced smile. A smile that lacks the quality of trust.
It is easier for an individual to trust a person who smiles naturally as they
are able to disarm any criticism that the individual may have about the
person’s character. It is as though a person with a natural smile is able to
change how another person feels. By forcing a smile an individual is being
deceitful and people can see this for themselves. A forced or fake smile leaves
a person suspicious of the individual who is smiling and as such their guard
will be up because they cannot trust the individual.
What is also
interesting about the essay is the fact that Gardiner believes a smile comes
from inwards. It may be reflected outwards but in reality it is something that
comes from inside the person themselves. It is for this reason that a natural
smile is more trusting and has the ability to disarm a person. It is also
likely that this is the reason that Gardiner wishes that he could relive his
life all over again. To be a new person as he may have the natural skepticism
that comes with life and as such his smile may be no more than a grimace. Which
would not be endearing to people. Gardiner also argues that the habitual smile
is not pleasing to an individual as it lacks spontaneity. This may be
significant as Gardner could be suggesting that those who smile permanently can
not only be distrusted but they may also have something to hide. Attempting to
disarm before conflict. A conflict which all parties may be aware of. If
anything a constant smile would not only be annoying to Gardiner but it may
also suggest that the individual is hiding something.
The importance
of a smile can also not be underestimated particularly if one is a politician.
With Gardiner quoting the success of Theodore Roosevelt as an example. Roosevelt’s
smile according to Gardiner may have helped him to be successful. The smile
bringing a sense of ease to those who observed it. A matter that would be
important for a politician. Should a politician never smile there is every
chance that the electorate will not vote for him or her and as such the
politician will be forced to look for another career. One that will suit their
appearance. A good smile in Gardiner’s opinion will also carry a man or woman a
long way. One can go from rags to riches by a simple ability to have a smile
that is contagious. By making another person smile not only are you making them
happy but you are also showing them that you are not a threat in anyway. Which
would hinder a person’s passage through life. To move forward in life one has
to be trusted and a good smile will go a long way in helping an individual
progress through life.
In reality a
good, natural smile will help an individual to change another person’s
viewpoint of them. A person will forget why they disliked the individual and
matters will be resolved more quickly should there be any conflict between
either party. The example of Rufus Isaacs is also interesting as he appears to
have the juries in front of him in the palm of his hand (and on the side of his
client). Isaacs radiates confidence but not overtly so. He smiles enough to
disarm others while at the same time keeping his focus on his client. All
by having a natural and confident smile. While others who force their smile or
permanently smile are deemed to be less trustworthy. An issue which would be of
great importance to a lawyer. If anything Gardiner may be suggesting that those
who smile naturally and confidently have an easier time than those who might
force a smile. An individual can see through another person’s smile and if it
is honest and engaging than that individual is won over for the time being. It
is probably for this reason that Gardiner wishes he could be born all over
again. To learn in a natural way how to smile and to beam confidence and to be
able to disengage others should he need to.
This essay by
A.G. Gardiner explores the issue of politeness as an extremely important and
indispensable feature of civil society. Politeness, he argues, is that which
keeps the social life of civilised man well-oiled and friction free. Good
temper gives rise to naturally pleasant behaviour that radiates pleasantness
all around. Conversely, bad temper breeds uncouth behaviour that poisons the
stream of life. Both good and bad behaviour are highly infectious. The problem
is that good behaviour cannot be enforced by the law. This is so because the
manifestation of good behaviour depends on the tone of one’s voice, the cast of
one’s lips, the expression on one’s face - and such things that the law can
never regulate. Finally, Gardiner argues that one may get the sweetest revenge
against boorish individuals by being excessively polite towards them.
Gardiner
expected smooth, light and playful behaviour instead of quarrels and disputes.
He raised the question of morality in everyday life. In all cases, it is the
human interest that appealed him. He described not only the effect upon, but
also the illustration in human character. He has aptly pointed out the
irrelativity in the behaviour of the society he lived in and suggested
correlative measures to overcome the problems which could harm the entire
society.
In On Saying “Please” he points out the
value of good manner in social life and emphasizes the importance of courtesy
and politeness in daily behaviour. In a simple, natural and anecdotal manner,
he shows how polite speech and manner sweeten the atmosphere around, and how
discourtesy and ill-manners spoil or pollute it. Gardiner emphasises the value
of gentleness of speech and manners and concludes that politeness is a more
effective tool of taking revenge on a discourteous person, as is seen in the
case of Chesterfield, than a violent attack as was restored to by the liftman.
However, instead of indulging in abstract moralising or preaching, Gardiner
gives concrete examples of polite behaviour like that of the polite
bus-conductor and the consequences of ill-manners like those of the rude
passenger in the lift.
In On Saying
Please by A.G. Gardiner we have the theme of courtesy, civility, morality,
responsibility and control. Taken from his Many Furrows collection the reader
realises after reading the essay that Gardiner may be exploring the theme of
courtesy and the benefits of being courteous to others. The story of the
lift-man and his pushing of the man out of the lift leaves two people to
suffer. The lift-man who is likely to be charged by the police and the man
himself who was pushed out of the lift. Though some critics might suggest the
lack of courtesy shown by the man who was pushed out of the life is enough for
the lift-man to take matters into his own hand. The lift-man only suffers by
his actions. Whereas if he had taken the moral high ground and continued to be
polite to the man. He may have in fact changed the man’s approach to him. By
showing civility the narrator argues that more is to be gained than if one is
ill-mannered or ill-tempered towards another person. If anything the lift-man
has lost his peace of mind and possibly his freedom.
The narrator’s
example of the conductor is also interesting as the conductor at all times
appears to take the higher moral ground despite what he may think of his
passengers on the. He never judges anyone and is apologetic when he makes a
mistake. Something that is noticeable when he stands on the narrator’s feet.
Though an accident the conductor ensures that he apologies and that no offence
can be taken. This may be important as Gardiner may be suggesting that just as
the lift-man lost his patience and peace of mind. The conductor on the other
hand remains morally upright. He is sensible enough to know when he has made a
mistake and when he must apologize. Unlike the lift-man who has taken matters
personally and as a result has broken the law. Which takes precedence over any
ill-mannered approach that one may receive from another person. Legality takes
precedence over moral laws in the eyes of society and one is left to deal with
a perceived moral injustice by themselves without the support of the law. As to
whether the reader agrees with this is a different matter as loss of peace of
mind over a moral slight can result in the law being broken or others who are
innocent being effected.
Gardiner may
also be exploring the difficulties that can be incurred by an individual when
dealing with the public. The lift-man acted inappropriately while the conductor
on the other hand is wise enough to know that it is better to be sweet to each
passenger than to offend them. Not only does the conductor keep his peace of
mind but he also ensures that he is not responsible for breaking the law.
Though the conductor may feel like doing so. In contrast the lift-man and the
conductor are two very different types of people. The lift-man loses control
because he feels slighted in some way. That he may be deemed by the man
entering the lift as being inferior to him. While the conductor on the other hand
does not lose control of his emotions. Rather he continues to be polite,
well-mannered and civil to all his passengers. It is by losing control that the
lift-man faces the more serious charge of breaking the law. Morally the law is
not responsible for how the lift-man has been treated. The law only deals with
issues of a legal nature.
It is also
clear to the reader that the happier of the two men is the conductor. The
lift-man having lost control acts irresponsibly. Whereas if he takes the higher
moral ground that is shown by the conductor. He still keeps his peace of mind
and acts morally superior to the man who did not say please. Which leaves the
reader realizing that regardless of how one is morally treated by another
person. The path to follow is not to retaliate or query an indiscretion that
may have been felt but to rise above the indiscretion and maintain one’s
dignity. At all times ensuring that one can keeps one’s peace of mind without
having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender. Something
which may be difficult to accomplish though worth the effort. As matters of
gratitude can have an effect not only on the offended party but also to those
in the offended party’s circle. Something which only leads to further
disruption and misfortune to an individual. Despite themselves being innocent
of any law that they perceive may be broken. In reality it is better for a
person to overcome how they might feel having been slighted morally and to take
the higher moral ground.
