Perestroika 4.3
Summary
The day darkens as Louis talks to Belize on the rim of the Bathesda Fountain in Central Park. Louis knows what Bethesda commemorates, and Belize says Louis "is nothing if not well informed" (226). Belize tells Louis about Prior and his visit to see Joe. Belize also informs Louis that Joe is Roy's "buttboy," to which Louis had no idea (226). Louis is in utter shock at this news. He accuses Belize of loving Prior and insults him. Belize tells Louis that he has a partner and that he hates America because of the horrible things he sees in his nursing profession.
Notes
- Bethesda Fountain (225)- Located on the Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, New York. Designed by Emma Stebbins, celebrates the purifying of New York's water supply at the opening of the Croton Aqueduct. The statue holds a lily in one hand symbolizing purity, and the other hand is extended out blessing the water. underneath the statue are four smaller statues symbolizing Temperance,Purity, Health, and Peace.
- Hoss Cartwright (226)- character in the western show Bonanza played by Dan Blocker
- sphincter (227)- muscle around the anus able to close an opening
- GOP (227)- term used when talking about the Republican party that stands for Grand Old Party
- polestar (227)- a guiding principal
Commentary
Study Questions
- What does Bathesda commemorate?
- Belize accuses Louis of only doing what with Joe?
- Louis refers to which character as the worst man who ever lived?
- What does Belize compare Louis to?