The
Persecution of Mildred Dunlap:
Author:
Paulette Mahurin
When the
world allows people to live as they please maybe we might have chance to stop
all the hatred, prejudice and injustices that are inflicted upon those that
some feel are different or do not conform to the mores of their society. Same
sex marriage is not something new to us today and same sex relationships are
not just a thing of the preset. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap begins with
the arrest and imprisonment of a noted writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. Noted
for writing The Picture of Dorian Gray, essays, short fiction and comedies this
outstanding writer’s work was negated when he met Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas
the third son of the Marquis of Queensbury. Wilde’s novel the Picture of Dorian
Gray was one that he was acquainted. Becoming lovers and totally enamored with
each other they were together all the time until Wilde was arrested four years
later for “gross indecency.” Attitudes back then in 1891 and even now have not
changed in many respects. In April of 1895, Oscar sued Bosie’s father for libel
as the Marquis had accused him of being homosexual and homosexuality. His
arrest and conviction as our story relates included two years of hard labor.
But, that was just the beginning as his wife too his children to Switzerland
and as you might say disowned him by going back to her maiden name, Holland.
This is where our story begins as we our main characters Mildred and Edra. The
Persecution of Mildred Dunlap brings this issue to light and many more.
Character assassinations by many of the townspeople, criticism and critical
analysis of what they think a person’s life should be and how they should mold
it to their way of thinking enables the reader to know just how narrow and close-minded
the people of Red River Pass, Nevada are.
As we meet
both Mildred and Edra we learn that they too have a close relationship that
would be more than just frowned upon by people like Josie Perdue and the ladies
Mildred encounters when she goes into town for medicine for a sick horse. Life
is hard enough during this time period but to be forced to fit in and conform
to what others think you should do makes it even harder for both Mildred and
Edra to deal with life. Her masculine appearance, her strange demeanor and lack
of femininity seemed to turn people off.
The author
allows the reader to hear the thoughts of Josie first hand which she readily
expresses to anyone that will stop and listen as well as doing her own
appraisal of Mildred’s appearance and Mildred. But, the prejudice spreads as
far as the sheriff’s office and even though Mildred is a kind woman he
appearance turns off many and the words spoken, if she heard them, would
definitely do more than just hurt her feelings. Status, class, sexual
preferences, even how many live their lives and observe their religions are
just some of the issues brought to light in this novel.
Gus Spivey’s
story is the hub of information where notices and telegrams are posted keeping
people informed. As Mildred places her order she hears voices rising and
realizes that Josie is announcing to everyone that Homosexuality has been
declared illegal. When people decide what you are allowed or not allowed to do
that infringes on the meaning of democracy and freedom. But, while riding home
Mildred formulates a plan in her mind that has yet to be revealed to the
reader.
Meet Charley
Spivey and Emma his wife was gravely ill. As Charley watched Emma slip away
Mildred decided to try and ally all thoughts about her and pretend to be
interested in this disheveled and ungroomed man. As the story moves on we learn
more about the relationship between Edra and Mildred, what happened to Edra as
a child the bond and love that formed between them at an early age. With the
guidance and understanding of her father, Max, Mildred’s secret would stay
hidden.
The
characters blend in a very unique way, as Mildred’s plan seems to be working
creating the illusion she hopes it will to take the heat off of her
relationship with Edra. Added in we still here the gossip of so many of the townspeople
regarding Oscar Wilde and his arrest. What I really love are the quotes at the
start of each chapter. Oscar Wilde’s words are so profound and set the tone for
each chapter that the reader knows what to expect from the characters by
reading his words and his thoughts. Annalee proves that right when she
continues her diatribe about Oscar Wilde and expands on her opinion. Next, she
expounds on the relationship between Charley and Mildred letting you know that
she is not only prejudice, narrow minded and just plain rude. So, why not voice
her thoughts to the town’s biggest gossip, Josie and join forces. Why is it
that the outer covering of a person is all anyone sees and the fact that
Mildred helps so many in so many selfless ways, does not really count to any of
these snobby and although rich, classless women. When Josie blames Emma,
Charley’s late wife for bringing so many others misery causing the town to come
down and help Charley, why does she resent it and why make the coldhearted
comment she does on page 64 which you will have to read the book for yourself
to find out just what she says and more.
But, Edra is
upset when Mildred goes out with Charley and her reaction is quite telling and
the end result eye opening. Loyal, trustworthy and kind Ben Thorndike keeps
their secret and delivers the news about what others are saying about Mildred.
When the women do their own assassination attack in words about Mildred, just
why does Charley come to her defense? Why does he see the inner beauty in her and
others do not?
This book
deals with so many issues not just prevalent in 1895 but in the present too.
Although Oscar Wilde went on trial and was convicted, Mildred Dunlap faced her
own persecution and trial everyday just trying to deal with life, the words and
gossip of others, the critical analysis because of her appearance and imagine
if the truth came out, what kind of swords or daggers would they send flying at
her?
The
characters in this novel are vividly described and so well defined you can
almost picture them in your mind and create a mental image of how they look,
act and speak. Gus, the owner of the general store tries to mediate, is honest
and tries not to take sides to be biased. Josie Perdue is single minded,
hurtful, highly critical of others and totally opinionated valuing only hers
alone. She is truly mean, coldhearted and yet she manages to have an audience
to listen to her rants and raves. Vying for attention and having to be the
focal point of every conversation she manipulates her friends, wants to control
their lives and never really cares about how her words affect others. Edra our
other main character, lives on the farm, prefers as we learn Mildred’s company
alone, and vies to live her life just with her. Mildred might have a masculine
outer appearance but her every word, and kindness negates her physical
appearance. She might not be what most would say feminine, or ladylike but her
heart and kind ways make up for it.
As Gus and
Charley have dinner more about the community is brought to light as we learn
about hate for Negroes, their feelings about Jews and the religious that feel
everyone is beneath them. But, Gus has a secret that I will not share with you
but when you learn it you will understand why he does not attend Church and
much more. The prejudice that rears its head in this book is widespread not
only there but also around the world.
As Josie has
made it her vocation in life to destroy Mildred two friends make sure that she
just might learn her lesson and more. What happens at the end and how all of
this turns out you will have to learn for yourself. But, when one woman’s
rumors, lies and statements cause a tragic ending in one family, then the
action taken will surprise the reader and the end result will teach two women
the meaning of trust, loyalty, friendship and understanding. When the truth
behind Josie’s hate for Mildred is revealed the reasons lie deep within her
stemming from the past. Will she ever learn her lesson? Will anyone finally
stop her from speaking? Wait until you read the dramatic ending!
An ending
that will bring tears to your eyes and maybe even some hope to the people that
remain in Red River Pass, Nevada. Never judge a person or book by its outer
cover before you read the pages in between. You just might like what you find
out. Author Paulette Mahurin’s characters and story remind us of why there is
so much hate in the world and why so many need the lessons taught within the
pages of this outstanding book. Friendships are formed when you least expect
them to be. Let’s give this book: FIVE CHARLIES
Fran Lewis:
reviewer
http://www.santapaulaarc.org/)Proceeds go to this organization: Animal rescue
No comments:
Post a Comment