The+Geologist's+Maid



"The Geologist's Maid", published in 1975 in //The New Yorker,// follows the relationship between Bennett Johnson and his maid Maroon. Bennett is a geologist who is ill and needs help around his home. Maroon serves this purpose for him, much to his dismay. Although Bennett is heavily dependent on Maroon, it is obvious he does not appreciate her. He becomes irritated with her incessant chatter, gluttonous appetite, and unwanted companionship. Despite his constant irritation with Maroon, Bennett empathizes with her on some level, as she lives in a bad part of town where there is lots of violence and drug use. It is clear, however, that Bennett does not see Maroon and himself as equals. He becomes irritated with her when she sits down to eat with him in a gathering of his friends. Bennett loathes Maroon and vows to fire her for her incompetence, but can never bring himself to do so. Despite all her hard work and patience, the reader discovers at the end of the story that Maroon only earns a dollar each week for her work with Bennett.


 * Theory Analysis:**

In Anne Tyler’s //The Geologist’s Maid//, race is evident through the interactions with Maroon, who is a black maid, and Dr. Johnson, the white man under her care. The interesting thing about this story is that the ill doctor, Johnson, is the marginalized character because he must depend on Maroon for his care. In this, Maroon serves as his oppressor, only allowing him to have things she feels he needs. She oppresses him by serving him mediocre meals, staying in the room while he has private conversations, and in general giving no regard to his privacy. This is indeed an interesting flip of the white/black binary opposition, for despite the fact the story is told from the white male’s perspective it is actually the black female who has control. However, it is important to note that despite the fact she has control, in the end it is Dr. Johnson who is responsible for paying her.

As a whole, Black is defined in a few ways within the story. There are numerous mentions of light & dark skinned blacks along with the notion that the closer one is to white, the better said person is in life. Despite this, Maroon operates as a strong black woman within white society. She does not flinch when Dr. Johnson is annoyed with her or his friends find her presence clearly awkward. Dr. Johnson describes her as needy and yet goes on to say how she donates to charity. In sum, while black is defined several ways through the text, it is done best through Maroon.

In the story, Dr. Johnson is indeed aware of the fact he is oppressed. There are numerous references to how he feels forced to depend on Maroon even if he does not want to. She serves as a symbol for blacks herself, but ultimately it is Johnson who gives her voice and provides the action of the story.