Fanon #3

In this installment of Fanon, Thomas' novel about Franz Fanon is publicized. A French literary critic packed the house at the university Thomas teaches at and gives a stirring lecture and at first, Thomas is enthralled. He "wanted to rush home and get back to work. (On writing the novel) Shoot both arms in the air and holler, Tell it. Tell the truth, girl. I wanted to sneak onstage and sit at her feet" (84). He feels like he has met someone who truely understands his work and is inspired. The words that she uses to promote the book, enlivens its author. But alas, the moment is short and as Thomas continues to listen, his hope that he has found a soul sympathetic to his cause is dashed as he realizes just how far off they are. He recognized, as she continued to promote his book that, "We didn't share a subject - we shared a tooth in an overworked mouth and the tooth was cracking. The distance between what she knew and what I knew about the subject widened as she talked" (85). His first impression of this spellbinding speaker is one of captivation. He initially has such a powerful pull to this lady that it might almost overcome him, but then as he really listens to what she has to say, he comprehends how wrong he was and though is not happier for it, he is wiser.