“The Bath,” written by Janet Frame, explores the concept of old age through various means such as settings, character actions, and character thoughts. The story delves into the theme of the oppressive nature of aging and the fear and panic it can induce in the elderly.
Frame illustrates the difficulties of living as an elderly person, showcasing the agonizing and gradual loss of independence as the body weakens. Regardless of their mental strength, individuals eventually reach a point where they must relinquish their authority and seek assistance. The concept of frame emphasizes how settings play a crucial role in developing ideas by establishing the time, place, and mood of the story’s events. The story begins with an old woman listening to the sound of a cold water tap dripping in a wash basin.
“This is a cold and unhappy setting, indicating that it is not a happy one. Ideas about ageing are developed through the actions of the character, as it demonstrates their reactions to various situations. This is evident when the character ‘struggles to get out’ of the bathtub.”
This demonstrates the physical weakening of old people. Furthermore, an elder woman experienced panic, crying, and striking the sides of the bath. Additionally, it portrays the unpleasant nature of aging. Moreover, the older woman attempts to pass time in the bath by rewashing herself and using a nail brush.
By avoiding the trouble of getting out of the tub due to her fear of not being able to do so, the character develops the concept of aging. Additionally, the character’s thoughts contribute to the development of ideas about aging. One instance is when she contemplates that it might be preferable for her to die immediately.
The text demonstrates that as individuals age, their lives become more challenging. Additionally, in the early stages of the narrative, the character expresses a desire to rest and slumber beside the graves in the gentle grass. This serves as evidence that she no longer finds joy in living, feeling weariness due to navigating buses and crossing streets to visit the grave. Consequently, the character’s thoughts contribute to the exploration of aging concepts.
In summary, aging individuals face greater challenges in life, primarily due to their declining physical strength, resulting in feelings of sadness and unhappiness. In the aforementioned short story, the female protagonist loses her desire to live once she realizes her diminished physical capabilities and her reliance on external assistance, such as a nurse. Consequently, the story conveys its ideas through various elements, including the setting, the character’s actions, and the character’s mindset.
