Phyllis is automatically labeled as the Femme fatale in the novel, and I was sure of it when her and Walter met for the second meeting as she wasn't in her blue pajamas anymore but rather in more appealing clothing. Walter notices by quoting " I wasn't the only one that knew about that shape, she knew of it plenty." It was amusing to me how she dressed more provocatively this time knowing that Walter would arrive. Phyllis wanted something from Walter and knew just how to get it. The story thickens when Phyllis convinces Walter into plotting her husbands death a faux train accident. The article mentions on how the femme fatale "destructively goads [the protagonist] into committing murder or some other crime of passion." Although it is wrong of Walter to agree to the murder, I can't help but feel sorry for him.
Walter didn't even really agree to the murder, exactly. It was "his" idea, so to speak. She just kind of strung him along subtly, acting as though she had not even really thought of murdering her husband, until he said it first. She is playing him for a fool, and he will look the part by the time the book is over. Her "innocence" can only go so far. He's already disillusioned of her, and is already becoming paranoid of her. I still cannot figure out how exactly Lola is going to come in to play as the "good girl".
ReplyDeleteyes, I definitely agree that she played the role well of making it seem like she had never thought of the idea. To me though, I feel as if Walter would have never thought of anything as horrible as this if she had not convinced him in a non directed way which is why I say he agreed to it. I just pity him I guess.
Delete