Summary Of Gallimard's With The Party

However, as the novel progresses, the soundness of his fantasy begins to unwind and undergo pressure. As seen in Scene Two of Act One, the party notes to be in present time, however it is still a projection of Gallimard’s imagination. It can be considered present time because he situates the scene in present time, but the conversations and proceedings are still a projection of Gallimard’s imagination and are therefore fictitious. Merely by reading the dialogue of the party members, it is evident how extensive Gallimard resides in his denial. The party goers mock his ridiculous status and position, and even question how Gallimard has not come to believe the truth, stating his fault is due to “simple ignorance” (page three). By addressing Gallimard’s

It is assumed he should be able to control his own fantasies, yet they materialize as counteractive, self sabotaging and destructive independent entities. In this scene, Gallimard takes the role as more of an observer and audience member than narrative controller. The dialogue from the party goers represents the underlying current of Gallimard’s subconscious, or his id3, which is evidently at war with his ego4. Despite his partially subconscious defense mechanisms fighting against his reality, the manifestations of his mind seem to be involuntarily counteracting his state of denial. It is as if the deep subconscious mind of his id is acting on its own accord, which is common to the characteristics that identify this layer of the human psyche, with the “id” commonly being compared by Freud to a wild horse5. Therefore, Gallimard’s blatant disregard to the party goers insults are due to his ego, which is trying to regain control over his mind. He resides in a passive defensive position where he can only adapt and adjust to the barrages thrown against him from his own