Jerry Bonnell Reaction #2

The spectacle of the Court seems to draw in most, if not all, of our beloved protagonists. Such was the case with Meursault in the Stranger or Josef K. in The Trial. It renders the idea of Law absurd, and completely distorts the strict boundaries and procedures we place on it to ensure “justice.” The high judges look down below at the defendants, while they stand waiting for their final judgment. Such was the case in Hanna’s trial. On a study trip, Michael is sent to take notes and observe the proceeding War Trials. There, he stands high above from the stands, analyzing every minute detail that occurs throughout the trial. He is like the scientist and Hanna the specimen. A shocking twist in the power vertical that was exposed in part one.

Shockingly enough, Hanna admits to false charges and contrives a story about the night when the church burned. Then the reader discovers another revelation – Hanna is illiterate. This upset is startling and forces us to take a second glance at her seemingly lustful relationship. Who needed who? Who was the weak one? Perhaps, they both are. She would rather extend her prison sentence than admit to her weakness. Even in a place promising eternal justice, she would rather prefer her own death.

Michael claims he “felt nothing” throughout the trial, attempting to convince himself that he no longer needed Hanna. Yet it seems to me that he is only going through denial. His relationship with Sophie is evident of that. Hanna was the catalyst for Michael’s maturation, both physically and emotionally, regardless of the masochism involved in their relationship. He claims he is a confident man now, yet I still see a boy on crutches. The allusion to the Odyssey could not have been more accurate. Hanna is no different from the Sirens on the island, attempting to lure in sailors to their very death. Michael’s identity is shattered without the sexual comforts that Hanna provided him with. I am left wondering how Michael will pick up the broken shards, if he ever manages to do so.