Narrative Analysis

By Genevieve M. Nangit
February 26, 2024

Narrative Analysis of “The Bath”: Nature of Self Through Concrete Social

Facts

The theory on the nature of self based on the concrete social facts was manifested in the birthday
celebration of Norma Jeane.

Sentences
This day, this birthday, would be the first that Norma Jeane would remember clearly. This
wonderful day with Gladys who was sometimes Mother, or Mother who was sometimes Gladys.
(Page 15)

She had of being born — wanting to ask Gladys or Grandma, How do you be born, was that
something you did yourself? — to her mother in a charity lying-in ward at the Los Angeles
Country General Hospital after twenty-two hours of “unremitting hell” (as Gladys spoke of the
ordeal) or carried on Gladys’ “special pouch” beneath her heart for eight months, eleven days.
(Page 15)

The sight of the cake, its wonderful smell, made Norma Jeane’s mouth water. (Page 26)

“And now, Norma Jeane: your presents.” (Page 26)

The doll wore a little lace nightcap and a flannel nightgown in a floral print, and her skin was
rubbery-smooth, soft, perfect skin, and her tiny fingers were perfectly shaped! And the small feet
n white cotton booties tied with pink ribbons! Norma Jeane squaled with excitement and would
have hugged her mother to thank her. (Page 27)

How Norma Jeane would love her blond baby doll! One of the great loves of her childhood.
(Page 28)

Analysis
Norma Jeane’s nature was slowly being formed through the celebration of her birthday. She
recognized the role of a mother through this tradition. The things like cake and gifts actualize the
relation of the event to the role of the parent and the child. While the acts of dressing up and
candle blowing sustain the parent-child relationship.

Reference
“Blonde” by Joyce Carol Oates. 2000. 4th Estate: London, UK