...part of trying to attract those poet-men was to look a little like I had wandered onto campus by accident after having spent ten years with the wolves behind some farmhouse, living off scraps and reveling in the pure air like a half–girl Mowgli, half–woman Thoreau.
Aimee Bender's "The Color Master: Stories" portrays a youthful longing to attract poets, illustrating a desire for authenticity and uniqueness. The narrator adopts an adventurous persona reminiscent of a wild life, suggesting a romantic connection with nature and freedom. By mentioning her imagined existence alongside wolves, she evokes a sense of untamed spirit that she believes would appeal to creative men. This imagery serves to highlight her quest for identity and belonging in a world of art and inspiration.
The metaphor of living a rugged existence parallels her aspirations; it emphasizes a search for depth and raw experiences. Her whimsical comparison to characters like a half-girl Mowgli and Thoreau symbolizes a blend of innocence and intellectualism. Ultimately, Bender encapsulates the idea that one’s façade, crafted from unique life experiences and reckless adventures, can be a powerful means of connection within artistic communities.
