Lilacs

By King Meera -
by Kate Chopin

Impressionism is an art form that plays with pressure and absences, or leaving out stuff
Monet's Water Lilies is the most famous example - goes back to Transparent Eyeball (cataract on one eye so sees differently)
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/guide-to-impressionism/guide-to-impressionism
Impressionism follows the passage of light as in a partially lit or darkened room - utilizing periods of light and dark
Chioroscuro
Creole
Mulatto
Light is the absence of color
texture is absorption or reflection of light
Fluidity of gender
Sexuality - to live is to be sexually alive - there is no denying one's sexuality, but in a convent it is completely ignored
In this text, the color of lilacs is reflected through the sensuous description of the scent of the flower - depiction of texture
Austerity is not the same as simplicity and elegance

lay sisters - those assigned household duties. Often refugees
Paris represents debauchery and decadence (as greatness falls to decadence in the absence of discipline)

<next para>
nuns and monastic life fascinated writers of the time
rejecting gender attributes i.e pristine or sensuous

LILACS
about smaller characters
character sketches of Sister Agathe and Adrienne
guilt, sin deeply rooted in past that worries them
Conduct not approved of
other themes - relationships, friendships
Significance of title
Narrative style - imagist, impressionism

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