Essay Questions

Why are some folks in Monterey insensitive to the cases of disappearing girls?

The disappearance of girls, especially those who work as prostitutes, is justified. For example, some people argue, "What it all comes down to is, those girls know what they are getting themselves into…I, for one, think we're better off! Luring our fellow into sin like that!" The unsympathetic people who justify the mysterious vanishing of prostitutes are sexists who think that girls are the cause of prostitution. They do not denounce the males who go seeking the services of prostitutes. Accusing the girls of sinning while exonerating the men is a hypocrisy that reeks of patriarchy.

What is the irony of Ralph’s declaration?

Ralph is a customer at the brothel who insists that he is in love with Eliza. Smiley writes, “Ralph, his name was from England—came back four times in four days and declared that he was madly in love with her; would she marry him and go to England with him?" Ralph knows that Eliza is a prostitute who has been intimate with many other men before him. He would steer clear of her because he knows her past. His relentless pursuit of Elizabeth shows how potent infatuation can be. Eliza avoids him, though, because she enjoys her life as a prostitute.

Describe how men deal with their bruises differently from women.

Women clients who visit the brothel where Jean works are ashamed of their bruises. Comparatively, the male clients at Eliza's brothel proudly show off their bruises. Smiley expounds, "Jean said…some came with scars or bruises, but all of the girls behind the Pearly Gates knew better than to ask questions. Eliza related how the men who came to her with scars and bruises loved to go on and on about how they earned them." The women do not want to be reminded of the scars because they denote the abuse they endure at the hands of their abusive spouses. They go to brothels so that the pain from their scars can be soothed. Comparatively, the men are proud of their bruises because they affirm their masculinity.