Seduction within the storm

Francis Espiritu

ENGL 48B

Mary Hunter Austin Journal

Author Quote: "'The wind was stopped and all the earth smelled of dust, and Filon understood very well that what I had done with him i could not have done so well with another. And the look--the look in the eyes--" (Austin 891)

Internet Quote: "Austin and her husband were involved in the local California Water Wars, in which the water of Owens Valley was eventually drained to supply Los Angeles. When their battle was lost, he moved to Death Valley, California, and she moved to Carmel, California. There, she was part of a social circle that includedJack London, Ambrose Bierce, and George Sterling and was one of the founders of the Forest Theater." (Wikipedia; Mary Hunter Austin)

Summary: Even as the walking woman wandered the San Joaquin Valley as a recluse, scavenger, and possible desert woman, she was still human. The fact that she was able to last so long without having to satisfy her sexual desires was amazing. But she describes the moment that she had with the sheep herder she was wandering with at the time as a magnificent moment in life; and for that moment in time, it seemed as if they became one.

Personal Opinion: So I somewhat understand what Chris was saying in class about sandstorms being majestic and possibly tranquil. The walking woman was able to find that tranquility with Filon even during the storm. I personally think that even in times of great pressure or stress, one can still find "peace"; in this case satisfy one's desires. Yet I think that there was more than just sexual desire that was satisfied at this moment. If anything, I believe that the original reason why the walking woman wandered was because she wanted to find peace within her soul. And if anything, the moment Filon had that "look" in his eyes, it was as if his soul had connected with hers, and it could be that was what she was looking for. I don't think that sex could have been the only way to satisfy that need, if anything as long as she had a companion or some kind of "soul mate" then that peace could have been satisfied irregardless. If anything everyone has a kind of "walking woman" within them, and each of us has to figure out how to find that balance or peace for our soul.