Introduction
The story starts in 1940, at which point Vivian Morris is a college dropout who is nineteen and comes from a wealthy background. Originally, Vivian is from upstate New York and is described as lanky, tall, and pretty. She is seen to be rebelling against the limitations and notions of both her family and her social class (Gilbert, 2019). When she is made to go to New York, Vivian begins to live with her aunt, Peg, the owner of the Lily Theater. When Vivian becomes familiar with Peg’s social circle, she feels more at home and recognizes the same free spirit in herself and those that surround her. Further in the story, Vivian’s skill and talent for sewing allow her to develop a career in costume design.
Analysis of Vivian Morris
Vivian’s draw towards adventure gets her in trouble, as after a sexual escapade, she is sent home in disgrace. During this time period, she becomes briefly engaged to Jim Larsen. However, due to the progression of World War II, the engagement is nullified, and Vivian returns to New York. Back in New York, Vivian meets a traumatized veteran of the war, Frank Grecco (Charles, 2019). The two fall in love, with Vivian herself believing him to be the love of her life. The entire narrative of Vivian’s life is expressed through her for Grecco’s daughter, Angela. Both the biographical insight into Vivian’s life and the overarching themes of the work are essential in understanding Vivian as a character. It is vital to recognize that because the story is told through Vivian, many components, such as locations and events, become central to her character. In fact, both Vivian and the general narrative function to be genuine love letters to 1940s New York with vivid recollections of glamorous and grimy aspects of the city.
City of Girls and Vivian herself feature thematic elements that are integral to the story and include the identity of a free spirit, girlhood, women’s art forms, fashion, and the relationships between women. The majority of the characters populating the novel often appear eccentric. Vivian herself is also unique as she is depicted as a bit of an outcast. She comes from a wealthy class, which contrasts with characters who come from the middle or lower class. However, within her own family, Vivian is also an unfitting component (Gates, 2019) unlike her upper-class family, which is known to respect tradition and avoid scandal. Vivan does not adhere to the same values completely. In fact, only Grandmother Morris, who is shown to be dressed vividly, is an ally to Vivan inside the family. It is also important to note that it is Vivian’s grandmother who teaches her how to be a skilled seamstress.
Conclusion
When Vivian drops out of Vassar, her family’s first concern is to avoid embarrassment and to place her somewhere convenient. As such, it is a rejection of Vivian’s innate nature, which has similarly affected her grandmother. However, throughout Vivian’s life in New York, she becomes accustomed to the normality of having a free spirit. This can be seen in her later experiences in the theater, such as when she is able to put on a play when her aunt is too ill to do it herself. The elements of fashion, art, and seamstress work similarly empower Vivian to pursue her own mode of life.
Works Cited
Charles, Ron. “In Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘City of Girls,’ a young woman discovers the joys of sex.” The Washington Post, Web.
Gates, David. “Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘City of Girls’ Delivers a Love- and Booze-Filled Romp Through 1940s New York.” The New Yorker, Web.
Gilbert, Elizabeth. City of Girls. Riverhead Books, 2019.