by Jeaneen Kish
June 24, 2021
Jeaneen Kish Jeaneen is a doctoral candidate in the Literature and Criticism department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. She has published an article in Studies in Gothic Fiction titled “The Unwitting Cannibals: Why Contemporary Audiences Consider Sweeney Todd the Less Demonic Barber of Fleet Street “and has a publication in the anthology Gothic Transgressions: The Extension and Commercialization of the “Gothic.” She currently is working on her dissertation which focuses on Gothic drama.
Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor; Riverhead Books; 288 pages; $26.00
Filthy Animals, Brandon Taylor’s second book, is a fascinating look into the lives of people struggling with their identities. He set out to write an in-depth character study looking at people whom society might consider “filthy animals,” but by revealing the inner workings of the characters, Taylor allows the reader to get beyond that label and realize that this type of marginalization conceals the humanity of each individual. By composing captivating sketches of the characters who reveal their inner struggles with suicide, sexual identity, and even attempted murder, he conveys to readers how events in people’s lives affect how they construct their identity and the repercussions of those constructions. The author often depicts harsh situations that paint strong pictures of character’s inner turmoil, but does so in a way that makes their struggles poignant to the reader.
While the work is a collection of individual short stories, many of them are linked by the characters of Lionel, Sophia, and Charles. A few, like “Filthy Animals” and “Anne of Cleves,” have nothing to do with the trio; however, most deal with them either directly or through a character connected to one of them. This structure is effective in allowing a more in-depth account of the events experienced by these characters. For example, the collection begins and ends with a story focusing on Lionel and his relationship with Charles. The first story is their introduction to one another and their sexual encounter, and the last is a snapshot of that meeting. By beginning and ending the work in this way, Taylor brings a sense of closure to the stories that makes this feel more like a novel than a short story collection, providing the reader a much deeper insight by showing the interrelationships that they have to one another and how those networks affect their identity and ways of thinking and constructing themselves.
Additionally, Taylor’s use of internal and external dialogue also effectively reveals the identity construction of the characters, both supplying reasons for and reactions to the way people must deal with those constructed roles and the necessity of tearing these down to find their authentic self. Within each story, the author delves into difficult issues such as suicide, cancer, attempted murder, and rape and does not approach these topics delicately. Instead, he reinforces their seriousness. Most poignant is the story of Lionel and his suicide attempt. While Taylor provides details about this harrowing moment, they are not graphic or gory. Instead, he chooses to deal with it by focusing on areas like Lionel’s scars and how they influence his interaction with others and drive his inner thoughts. For example, in the story “Proctoring,” Sophia looks at and touches his scars in the café. Lionel then goes on to tell Sophia of the confusion and pain that he went through before the attempt and how he felt trapped within those emotions. Such a depiction allows the reader to empathize with his struggle to readjust to normal life after feeling like life would never be livable again. Note, however, although not graphic, the description of Lionel’s struggle could trigger those who have exhibited suicidal tendencies.
While much is said of Lionel’s suicide throughout the stories, one particularly noteworthy aspect of his self-harm that Taylor investigates is the notion of bravery. For Lionel, ending one’s life is a brave action, while for his friend/lover Charles, the bravest action is to continue on after the attempt. In Lionel’s thoughts, the reader hears, “But there was nothing noble in suffering. There was nothing brilliant or good about the failed endeavor to exit one’s life. There was nothing courageous about the persistence of life…” (167). The contrast between the two perspectives effectively demonstrates how two people can experience the world in two very different ways. Taylor is showing the audience that people experience the world differently, and that society should be more understanding and try to comprehend these different world views, rather than enforcing the norm on people who do not fit into that category. By allowing the reader into the thoughts of the characters, Taylor opens up their inner workings in a way that encourages empathy with the characters and allows one to move past negative judgements that society might encourage.
One of Taylor’s more prevalent explorations is sexual identity. This collection is an important addition to the array of fictional works that chronicle the struggle that queer individuals face. Particularly moving is the story of Hartjes and the ill treatment he received from his mother. She clearly shows favoritism toward Hartjes’ brother and turns her back on Hartjes when he is young because of his queer identity. Taylor uses gritty language to show the hatred that some direct towards others because of their sexuality. While remembering the time he was stung by wasps as a child, Hartjes recalls his mother telling him, “That’s what faggots get’” (60). While the language is often offensive, it reinforces the abusive nature of the animosity directed at members of the queer community. Not only do readers see how the characters are, but they also experience each character’s internal struggle with their identity, often caused by people who are supposed to love them. Another example is in the chapter about Marta. Her ex-boyfriend says, “…well, I heard that you’re a dyke now” (131). This encounter leads her to submerge herself in a tub of water, fully clothed, where she grapples with the notion that others have taken away something private in her life. Throughout, Taylor effectively demonstrates the realities still faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Taylor’s first novel, Real Life, is award-winning, and Filthy Animals is set to follow in its footsteps. This collection is perfect for anyone who enjoys modern American literature that is hard hitting. As a deep psychological study of struggle, it succeeds in allowing readers to live through the characters and understand that people considered “filthy animals” are not that, but humans simply trying to deal with the difficult situations in their lives. They are trying to negotiate an identity that society looks down, in ways that, oftentimes, the characters are not fully equipped to manage.
©2021 West Trade Review
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Struggle for an Authentic Self: Inner Turmoil and Marginalization in Brandon Taylor's Filthy Animals
FICTION REVIEW
Image by Sam Burriss on Unsplash
Stay Connected to Our Literary Community. Subscribe to Our Newsletter
