One could write an essay on the use of the automobile in "Middlesex." It's one of the uber-American things about the novel. Not only is the book set in Motor Town, but a lot of important scenes take place in cars, like Zizmo's fake death and Milton's real death, Lefty's "photograph" business that paired sexy women and cars, the bootlegging business, Sourmelina's use of Zizmo's car as a show of independence, Desdemona's distrust of cars, Lefty's job at the Ford plant, Cal's odyssey across the country in strangers' cars, Cal's first and last kiss with the Object in the farmer's car after the accident, and Milton's obsession with Cadillacs. This last really resonated with me because my grandparents always had two Cadillacs, one for him and one for her, those super gigantic ones that were the ubiquitous and unimaginative status symbol of the business class.
Cal gives the best description of a Cadillac I've ever encountered: It was like climbing into someone's wallet.
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Nary has a Lippoldt owned a Cadillac but the description of Milton's constant up-trading was the perfect encapsulation of his idea that economic prosperity equals happiness. I especially loved the first Cadillac he purchased that had the "floating" system to make it feel like they were riding on air. I assumed that was real, Eugenides seemed to have done so much other research. But it seemed preposterous to me, compounded by the fact that Milton had obviously been convinced by the salesman yet had no idea what he had purchased.
Cars are ubiquitous yet the single most compelling scene for me in the book features bycicle and tank. Perhpas that contrast sums up Cal's life. He never owns a car ... the break up with Julie happens in a rental.
Yes, great points, Amy. The flotation system on the Cadillac was the perfect embodiment of "learned luxury," something you never think about needing or wanting until it's marketed to you.
And, yeah, I hadn't thought of the fact that Cal doesn't own a car. Good observation.
The scene with little Calliope and the tank was one of the best moments in the book.
"It was like climbing into someone's wallet."
I LOVED that!
Great job in noticing the car theme. I would suppose a lot of people who grew up in Detroit -- especially during its automotive heyday -- are obsessed with cars and what they symbolize.
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