Kalman and the Passing of Time

 

Maira Kalman uses humor through her drawings and diary-like entries in order to reflect on her life, others’ lives, and the passing of time. She reminds herself and others that time and life pass by very quickly, and that we’re all just living in temporary moments. She uses humor and funny drawings (ex. dodo) to talk about serious topics such as death and arguably “the meaning of life” and happiness.

Kalman’s almost obsession with the passing of time can be seen with all the historical characters that Kalman draws and brings into her story. She starts off with the Dodo, a bird that became extinct over 300 years ago. To add to her list of historical figures, Kalman adds on Spinoza (who tried to find the state of happiness), Stalin, Einstein, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, etc., all people who did many things, but who are dead now. Even though they all did great or memorable things, ultimately time passed through them too, although they are remembered for the things they did. It’s interesting, however, that Kalman spends most of her book talking about and describing people she doesn’t know, yet she easily skips over her mom/the death of her mom (who she still clearly grieves) and the death of her husband as well.

Kalman contrasts serious moments with humor, suddenly interrupting the declining mood with seemingly unprepared adlibs. Kalman takes us along with her through her thought process. This can be seen, for example, on page 82. Kalman starts by stating that she is tired, sad and that it felt like the world was coming to an end. While this might then put the reader into a saddened state too, Kalman then interrupts these feelings of sadness before they can even settle by writing that the best thing to do then, is riding the two-dollar subway for a “life-affirming ride,” which is unexpected and therefore funny to the audience. Kalman then takes us along a trip through the NY subway, in which she observes many people which then puts her in a happy mood again. This shows how the author gains happiness from the life around her, if anything she reminds the reader to not take life too seriously and enjoy the simple things in life. Kalman again evades deep and “serious” thoughts, such as “the meaning of life,” and all of these complex theories, by saying “let’s go to Paris” instead of thinking of an answer (133). Once again, Kalman stresses that there is no point in talking about things that arguably don’t have answers and that we should enjoy the little things, and the big picture instead.

Kalman uses humor to push through life, even as she herself tends to go through depressive episodes, regarding the death of her mother, husband, and wars (Palestinian-Israeli I believe). Through her depressive state though, she cheers up at times by observing those around her, and reminding herself and others that time and moments always pass.