In Toni Morrison's "Jazz," the profound bond between a person and a city is beautifully depicted. The moment a person arrives, whether by train or ferry, they recognize an instant connection, as if they were destined to be part of that environment. The wide streets and illuminating lamps evoke a sense of belonging, transforming them into their more authentic selves. This relationship is not just about place but about identity, as the city allows one to embrace a more daring and liberated version of themselves.
As time passes, the love for the city deepens, transcending the notion of mere affection for any other person. The individual grows alongside the city, and this bond becomes so profound that it eclipses earlier relationships, leading to a sense of forgetting what it meant to love others. Morrison captures how a city can become an integral part of one's identity, showcasing the lasting impact that a place can have on a person’s emotional landscape.