Chapter 1: Introduction
The first chapter of Deborah Levy’s memoir, Things I Don't Want to Know, sets the tone for the rest of the book. Levy opens with a powerful statement: “Reasons to be fearful: there are things I don’t want to know. Things that I don’t want to tell.” She then goes on to explain that this book is not her life story, but rather, a reflection on the events and circumstances that shaped her into who she is today.
The chapter also sets up the themes that will be explored throughout the book, such as femininity, power, and the relationship between the personal and the political. Levy’s prose is sharp and poetic, painting a vivid picture of her experiences and emotions.
Real Example: Levy’s powerful statements about not wanting to know and not wanting to tell are exemplified by her own experience of growing up in a repressive South African society, where certain things were not spoken about or acknowledged. This shaped her understanding of power dynamics and the role of women in society, which is a recurring theme in her memoir.
Chapter 2: The Impolite Sex
In this chapter, Levy delves into her childhood in South Africa and her relationship with her parents. She talks about her mother’s desire to be seen as a proper lady and her father’s inability to communicate his emotions. As a young girl, Levy struggled to understand her parents’ behavior and how it impacted her sense of self.
Levy also discusses the restrictions placed on women in South African society and how it affected her mother’s independence and self-expression. She reflects on her own struggle with finding her voice and how it was shaped by her mother’s expectation of politeness and femininity.
Real Example: As a young girl in South Africa, Levy witnessed her mother being denied access to certain spaces, such as a bar, simply because she was a woman. This experience left a lasting impact on Levy and shaped her understanding of the power dynamics between men and women.
Chapter 3: The Mirror
In this chapter, Levy discusses the impact of the media and the beauty industry on women’s self-image. She reflects on her teenage years and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and be desired by men. Levy also examines the unhealthy obsession with one’s physical appearance, which she believes is a distraction from more important issues.
Levy shares a personal story about a friend who underwent plastic surgery to be more attractive, which ultimately resulted in her death. This event forces Levy to question the value society places on a woman’s appearance and the pressure it puts on women to conform.
Real Example: Levy’s friend’s death as a result of plastic surgery highlights the dangerous consequences and unrealistic expectations that society places on women’s appearance. It also prompts Levy to examine her own relationship with her body and question whether it is truly her own desires driving her actions or the desire to please others.
Chapter 4: Art and Politics
In this chapter, Levy reflects on her experience of studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and how it shaped her understanding of performance, power, and gender roles. She discusses the expectations placed on her as a female actress and the limitations that came with playing certain roles.
Levy also explores the relationship between art and politics, highlighting how they are interconnected and how artists have a responsibility to challenge societal norms. She shares her experiences of performing in South Africa during apartheid, and how it influenced her understanding of the power of art as a tool for social change.
Real Example: Levy’s experience at RADA and her performances in South Africa showcase the restrictions and expectations placed on women in both the arts and society as a whole. It also emphasizes the power of art to challenge these norms and bring about change.
Chapter 5: Stop Trying to Be Somebody Else
In the final chapter, Levy discusses the importance of self-discovery and accepting oneself as a female writer. She shares her struggles with finding her voice and gaining recognition in a male-dominated industry. Levy also challenges the notion of a “female style” of writing, arguing that there should be no limitations or expectations based on gender.
She concludes the book with a powerful and inspiring statement: “My writing desk is my altar and my canvas. It is the place I go to discover my personal beat and to find the words that will keep me in step with the world.”
Real Example: Levy’s journey towards self-acceptance and finding her voice as a female writer is a powerful example of how societal expectations can limit one's potential. Her words also serve as an encouragement for women to break free from these limitations and embrace their true selves.
Overall, Things I Don't Want to Know is a poignant and introspective memoir that explores themes of power, gender, and self-discovery. Levy’s evocative writing style and honest reflections make this book a must-read for anyone struggling with their own sense of identity and place in the world.
