“Marxist Readings” on Sara Cole

In Russell Banks: Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story, three basic concepts or ideologies are presented. Sarah Cole represents the notion of communism and Marx’s beliefs. Ron embodies a novelist individual who has just been recently exposed to communism and its ideologies. Finally, Sarah’s ex-husband symbolizes capitalism.

Sarah embodies communism and Marxist ideologies through out the whole story. Her actions and beliefs also adhered to the rules of communism. Her embodiment of communism is illustrated from the very beginning of the passage, starting with her age. Sarah is thirty eight years old but however appears ten years older. Communism might appear as a new concept that evolved from Karl Marx but however, the concept has been circulating for a while before Marx’s era. It has actually been tracked back to the 16th century, more specifically seen in the works of an English writer, Thomas More. Further, the fact that Sarah approaches Ron, a man who is obviously above her social class, demonstrates that she is striving to abolish the existing class system. She also portrays her feelings towards her job and how she hates it. She is, much like the idea of communism, striving to break free from the productive forces that direct society. Her embodiment can further be seen when she is troubled by her car door. No matter how tight her car door was, she was still able to enter into it. Perhaps, this situation can interpret the idea that no matter how vigorously people strive to deny communism and Marxist ideologies, the concept will find a back door much like Sarah’s action.

Ron, can be perceived as the individual who has just been introduced to communism and Marxist ideas through numerous instances. For example, Ron views Sarah (the representation of communism) as ugly and crude, yet he is drawn to her quite passionately. This is similar to an individual who has been recently introduced to the idea of communism. He/ she might interpret the concept as crude and ugly, yet they will eventually end up adoring the ideology passionately.

Her ex-husband, in the passage, can represent capitalism. She mentions how he oppressed her and called her unnecessary names, much like a capitalist who scolds communism and its ideologies.

This passage also illustrates an unusual relationship between two individuals. Both individuals are struggling to break the chain or fetters that have been restricting past generations. However, Sarah illustrates this concept more passionately than Ron. Ron is held back by an internal struggle between two concepts, communism and individualism. He wonders if he should strive to abolish the class barrier that exists between him and Sarah or adhere to society’s views. This can be related to the “division” that was mentioned by Marx. He is unsure about his beliefs and the only way to clear his mind is to completely eliminate one.