Tripmaster Monkey

This is one of the most interesting narratives that I have read so far in school because of how unique the the way Kington has drawn her character of Wittman Ah Sing. I was thrown off right away at the first page because I was lost with who was talking and confused as to how the narrator can plunge into Wittman's thoughts without having to address it.
It became more apparent that this is written in a free indirect discourse that not only allows the narrators thought, but also the inside thoughts of Wittman. I like this because it plays into the complex environment in San Francisco and having to deal with racial judgement and living in their respected neighborhoods. Since this is supposed to take place in the 60's, there is supposed to a lot of free love, but Wittman doesn't really see too much of that as he flaneurs around the bay. My favorite passage in the book is, "He put her on her back with her arms and veil and legs and white dress raised, and the monkey on top of her. Her legs held it hopping in place and clapping her with its cymbals. Her opened and shut as the monkey bumped away at her" (65). The way that this is worded makes it seem like this is a fantasy of Wittman's because it shows that he wants what he cant have, while at the same time making a mockery of it in front of a child. It shows how he keeps getting fed up with his demands from his superior white and normal friends and the narrator adds mystery and positivity even though he just lost his job.