Friday, April 15, 2016

Libra (the sign)

It's interesting that DeLillo would name the book after Lee Harvey Oswald's astrological sign, assuming that's what he did, because the typical characteristics of a Libra don't really fit with Lee's personality. Libras are supposed to be peaceful, charming, and diplomatic, and Lee is none of these.

One of the character traits of a Libra is being charming, but as we see in the first couple chapters of his story, Lee is the total opposite. He goads people on just to get into a fight, he knows he's smart, and he's not afraid to tell other people about it. He would have done well at Uni.

Libras are also supposed to be diplomatic, and handle things with grace and dignity. And yet, when Lee gets picked on by other Marines, he acts out in every possible way. In an attempt to stay at Japan, he shot himself in the arm. When Reitmeyer tries to mess with him, he almost cries out of frustration. That doesn't say grace or dignity to me. 

So what does it say about the book that the title is so starkly opposite one of the main characters?