Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme (1981)
Margins
characters:
Edward - white man, interested in handwriting analysis
Carl - black man carrying a sandwich board, asking for "offerings"
setting:
New York City - Fourteenth Street, near Broadway
plot:
The story begins with Edward discoursing on margins and their interpretations according to handwriting analysis. Carl has all around wide margins that we learn are on sandwich boards he wears, which describes how he came to his present situation (falsely accused of theft, jailed in Alabama, brother killed, absent mother, began preaching in jail, can't get a job because of the criminal record) and ends "Patent Applied for and Deliver us from Evil" (10). Carl continues his analysis, moving on to Edward's aggressive 'm' and 'n', his humble capital letter size and the exaggeration and egoism suggested by the large loops on hi 'y' and 'g.' Edward proceeds to ask questions about Carl, which he deflects by mentioning books he has read. Edward urges Carl to be more open in the interest of "frankness and openness between the races" (11). When Carl mentions that they are on a bad corner for hustling, Edward says that he would do better if he looked neat. Carl asks whether his hair is too long. Edward asks Carl to comment on the prettiness of Edward's color and, admitting that he is a fool says, "But I'm a white foot . . . that's what's so lovely about me" (11). Carl admits that Edward is lovely, and Carl praises Edward for being well-spoken. Edward mentions The Cannibal by John Hawkes and Carl encourages his to get his hair cut and buy a new Italian suit. "You could be upwardly mobile, you know, if you just put your back into it" (11). Edward continues his efforts "to penetrate your inner reality" and Carl continues to resist. Seeing it on the sign, Edward asks Carl what "eschatological love" is and Carl says is it "later love . . . . It's a kind of story we black people tell ourselves to make ourselves happy" (12). When Edward asks, Carl says that he steals his books mostly in drugstores and explains why this is most convenient. He assures Edward that this is "metaphysically different" than stealing something like money and refers to Villon. Edward complains about his life and, when Carl reminds him that he's white so his life should be "nice", he suggests that Carl focus on improving his handwriting. Edward suggests that the approach seems superficial, but Edward goes on about specific changes Carl should make and when he offers to go get the book Carl asks him to hold the board while he uses the restroom instead. He does and, "When Carl returned the two men slapped each other sharply in the face with the back of the hand - that beautiful part of the hand where the knuckles grow" (13).
Edward - white man, interested in handwriting analysis
Carl - black man carrying a sandwich board, asking for "offerings"
setting:
New York City - Fourteenth Street, near Broadway
plot:
The story begins with Edward discoursing on margins and their interpretations according to handwriting analysis. Carl has all around wide margins that we learn are on sandwich boards he wears, which describes how he came to his present situation (falsely accused of theft, jailed in Alabama, brother killed, absent mother, began preaching in jail, can't get a job because of the criminal record) and ends "Patent Applied for and Deliver us from Evil" (10). Carl continues his analysis, moving on to Edward's aggressive 'm' and 'n', his humble capital letter size and the exaggeration and egoism suggested by the large loops on hi 'y' and 'g.' Edward proceeds to ask questions about Carl, which he deflects by mentioning books he has read. Edward urges Carl to be more open in the interest of "frankness and openness between the races" (11). When Carl mentions that they are on a bad corner for hustling, Edward says that he would do better if he looked neat. Carl asks whether his hair is too long. Edward asks Carl to comment on the prettiness of Edward's color and, admitting that he is a fool says, "But I'm a white foot . . . that's what's so lovely about me" (11). Carl admits that Edward is lovely, and Carl praises Edward for being well-spoken. Edward mentions The Cannibal by John Hawkes and Carl encourages his to get his hair cut and buy a new Italian suit. "You could be upwardly mobile, you know, if you just put your back into it" (11). Edward continues his efforts "to penetrate your inner reality" and Carl continues to resist. Seeing it on the sign, Edward asks Carl what "eschatological love" is and Carl says is it "later love . . . . It's a kind of story we black people tell ourselves to make ourselves happy" (12). When Edward asks, Carl says that he steals his books mostly in drugstores and explains why this is most convenient. He assures Edward that this is "metaphysically different" than stealing something like money and refers to Villon. Edward complains about his life and, when Carl reminds him that he's white so his life should be "nice", he suggests that Carl focus on improving his handwriting. Edward suggests that the approach seems superficial, but Edward goes on about specific changes Carl should make and when he offers to go get the book Carl asks him to hold the board while he uses the restroom instead. He does and, "When Carl returned the two men slapped each other sharply in the face with the back of the hand - that beautiful part of the hand where the knuckles grow" (13).