Chapter 14
Chapter 14, this is the last chapter of the novel, the resolution. But I do not feel that events were actually resolved. There were many things that haven’t been solved by the end of the novel.
Asher’s parents end up going to the art exhibit and see the crucifixion paintings. They both have the same reaction; they stop talking to Asher. I’m sure they feel exposed to the world, they feel dirty, and above all, disappointed at their son having painted such a controversial piece. Asher’s mom only says, this time he’s crossed the line. I agree with her, and I think Asher agrees with her, too. But once again, like I said he needed to a point that and in order to be truthful to himself and not be a whore, he needed to paint it as he felt exactly.
Before his parents actually saw what was at the exhibit, they were both so proud of Asher, even his father, which was surprising since he thought the gift came from Sitra Achra. Aryeh’s eyes beamed when Asher said that museums bought his paintings. He genuinely felt love for his son and his love of art. But like I said before, Asher’s relationship with his father, their love/hate relationship travels in cycles. The moment of pride was over when they saw the paintings.
The Rebbe, even after all these years of supporting Asher, of supporting his paintings such as the nudes, has given up. He asks Asher to leave the country, go to a place where people don’t remember him as an artist. I feel so much pity, because he’s forced to leave a place where all the people he loves live. But he cannot disobey the Rebbe’s wishes.
The love that Asher’s mother feels for his doesn’t subside and you can tell when she says good-bye to him. She seems sad to see him leave and I feel that any mother would be sad to see a child go. Since the problems haven’t been resolved at all, I feel that I am forced to read the sequel.