Throughout Cereus Blooms at Night, nature is often used to convey morals or portray characters in a certain light. “Mala’s companions were the garden’s birds, insects, snails and reptiles” (Mootoo 127). In this passage, the living things Mala is described to be friends with are organisms that which most people are disgusted by. All of these creatures are viewed as dirty, useless, and inconvenient, yet Mala gives them love. She takes care of things that others do not think about. This could reflect her own experience with others misunderstanding her. Mala, rumored to be a murderer, gets tossed aside by practically all other faculty besides Tyler. Mala also gets forgotten by members of her family. These creatures symbolize their connecting with misunderstanding and abandonment. Earlier in the novel, Ambrose describes Mala as a “protector of snails and all things unable to defend themselves from the bullies of the world” (Mootoo 119). Because these creatures are not well-liked, they are often vulnerable. This passage portrays the creatures as vulnerable—the protected—, and Mala as powerful—the protector.
I believe these creatures Mala cares for reflect her own vulnerability to her father’s abuse. In a way, Mala is attempting to protect herself by moving this idea into other habits in her life. Because Mala understands things like abuse, misunderstanding, and abandonment, she relates to these creatures others hate so much. Perhaps Mootoo is suggesting that often it is those who suffer that are the most charitable because they have true empathy. Those who suffer are those we will find protecting others.
This post has been effective in helping me understand the symbolism of insects in the novel, so thank you! Additionally, I think it would be interesting to consider how Ambrose’s interest in insects and nature may compliment your argument. He has found the beauty in seemingly insignificant or disgusting creatures and committed his profession to them. This may shed light on his relationship with Mala as well, insinuating that he can see her beauty through the disgusting history of abuse. Finally, it would be interesting to consider where and why small pictures of insects were placed within the text.
I absolutely agree with your post and connections between Mala’s suffering and the suffering of these creatures. I think a connection can also be made in the sense that Mala wants to have purpose. I know that with child abuse can come a sense of worthlessness and I think Mala could want to have meaning in life and by taking care of the things that most people disregard as gross and not important, she has meaning and importance. I think it also is a continuation of her protecting Asha. Because she protected Asha from her father and she no longer knows where Asha is, I think she may be trying to fill that void. Also, I think upon entering womanhood, albeit early, the desire to nurture comes and Mala fulfilled it in every way which isn’t necessarily what her role as a caretaker requires but I think she has a misunderstanding of this role because she was forced into her position prematurely.
I love how you focus on the bugs that Mala protects. THe case can also be made that she protects the peekoplats (a valuable bird) in the tree in her lawn (pg 155). Her mere existence and ability to let nature take control allow these animals that would otherwise be used to turn a profit to live. Mala also protects Tyler by giving him the space to grow and explore his gender identity. Her natural ability to let people, animals, and insects be themselves is life saving to them.