Mirza 1 Shakil Mirza Ms.

Barrow Eng 3u1 26 July 2011 Barneys Version

Oscar Wilde once said, No great artist ever sees things as they are, If he did he would cease to be an artist" meaning that artists depict their work of art by dwelling into their imagination creating their work livelier. Barneys Version written by Mordecai Richler in 1997 presents the main protagonist facing the reality of consequences in the film industry, courtship, and amity. Richler introduces the life of Barney Panofsky as realistic as possible through suspense, satire, and personality.

Firstly, Richler creates suspense in different variations of Barneys life to create excitement. Suspense has been presented through Barneys friendship with Boogie, when the two confront each other after Boogie is caught sleeping with Barneys wife, The Second Mrs. Panofsky. I scooped up the gun and aimed it at him... Stop, I hollered, or Ill shoot. Look out I said, and fired a shot well over his head. (Richler 252) What made Barney angrier was Boogies lack of concern and relaxed mood, not being considerate of Barneys feelings, being looked upon as a bad friend. Next, suspense is created through the mystery of everyones qualms:

What if I told you, he said, addressing the jury, that I was now going to perform a little miracle? What if I now counted to five, and then Bernard Moscovitch walked right through those doors into the courtroom. One, two, three, fourFIVE! You see, said

Mirza 2 Hughes-McNoughton, you all turned to look, because you all have more reasonable doubt that there ever was a murder committed. (Richler 320)

Hughes- McNoughton was trying to use a last minute resort to explain Barneys innocence which backfired; the jury did not take it lightly resenting a cheap trick. Also, suspense has been created through Barneys unfaithfulness. Thats when I left Dinksshe slid onto the stool next to me, and the street boy in me was roused. Not that I was interested. Or I intended to take it any further but I still dont remember how come I got to her apartment (Richler 303). This incident occurred after Miriam had left for a business trip, it is certainly apparent that Barney loved Miriam immensely, he would not have transgressed but his bitter past habits had got the best of him and feeling guilty confessed resulting to their separation. Barney's life is suspenseful due to his own antics; he puts himself into situations which require others to be involved, creating a life of drama.

Second of all, Mordecai Richler is renowned for his use of satire in his work, and creates it in his novel to make Barney Panofsky as a real individual. Panofsky at times does not take circumstances as gracious as he should be.

I managed to get him to his feet and we started to walk, his teeth chattering, his legs rubbery I got him to his bed, and when he started to tremble again, I piled whatever clothes I could find on top of his blankets. But I had been a witness to his crackling and that, dear reader, is how you make enemies. (Richler 82)

This shows Barneys satirical side as he notes that even though he had done McIver, who he despises, a favour it just adds fuel to their burning fire, as McIver does not want Barney to acknowledge the rare event between anyone else. Satire is also shown through the emotions of Barneys friend Boogie, Oh, no. Ill tell you whats pathetic. Pathetic is a man so empty that he needs somebody elses achievements

Mirza 3 to justify his own life. (Richler 334) Boogie replies to Barneys statement about him being pathetic, this is a harsh comeback as Boogie is talking about Barneys inferiority compared to McIver due to Barneys standards matched to his foes accomplishments, which he could not live up to. Satire can also be found in Barneys love life which he lacks the seriousness in the relationship between The Second Mrs. Panofsky and him. Boogie, I said, Im in love. For the first time in my life I am truly, seriously, irretrievably in love. Of course I didnt realize at that time that the Second Mrs. Panofsky was standing right behind me, and now she embraced me, rocking my head. And so am I honey, she said. (Richler 182) This is an ironic moment as Barney is at his wedding night, but he is not talking about the woman he marries, but another woman he found who was a guest and instantly professes his love, while The Second Mrs. Panofsky thinks it is her being discussed about. Realistic as it may appear, the use of satire may point out Barneys life as relaxed and in the moment, albeit does not think of the future.

Lastly, the author creates Barney Panofskys personality in various forms to give the novel a biographical touch. Richler illustrates the protagonists mischievousness from a young age.

In fifth grade, I was the one who wrote FUCK YOU, MISS HARRISON on the blackboard, but it was Avie Fried who was expelled from school for a week as a consequence. Our principal, Mr. Langston summoned me to his office. I am obliged to strap you, young man, because I know you were aware Fried was the culprit. However, I do admire your pluck for declining to snitch on a classmate. Thank you, sir I said, extending my hand, palm upward. (Richler 234)

This presents to us, that Barney had been surrounded by bad influences which caused him to be a delinquent, hard to imagine as his father was a cop. Seldom, the worst thoughts people can imagine for, is someone they know, just as Barney dreams of McIver,

Mirza 4 Lying in his bed on the twentieth floor of The Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto a month later, dreaded with Lymes disease pulsing through his blood streamChoking smoke began to seep into McIvers room, but overcome by paralysis, he couldnt even raise his arms, never mind move his legs. Flames consumed his door and began to dance round him (Richler 44).

The bad blood boiling between Barney and McIver is reminded when Barney is not even conscious, showing a great deal of importance for both of them to overshadow one another in the spotlight, a common conflict in the real world of business. As a passionate screenwriter for Totally Unnecessary Productions, he is also an inspiration and hearts those who are up and coming into making it big in the film industry. I have as requested, sent an international money order for $200 in an untransparent envelope I have also discussed your case with the incomparably rich Professor Blair Hopperand he is eager to hear from you. (Richler 108) In a letter written back to the foreign student, it just goes to show that everyone has a soft side; Barneys empathy is shown as he gives the Bengali student an opportunity to work alongside the industrys greats. Furthermore, Barney Panofsky is a black and white man; his personality is clear, although he is at times perverse and obnoxious it should not be viewed as his character, it should be remembered he has also shown great traits of a man.

To conclude, Barney Panofsky in Barneys Version is depicted as lively as possible by Mordecai Richler through suspense, satire, and personality. First of all, the life of Barney Panofsky is suspenseful as it is shown through his struggle. Then, Richler creates Barneys life as satirical through the emotions of Barney and his surroundings. Lastly, Barneys personality is realistic as possible because of the range of feelings he endures. Les Brown once said Other peoples opinion of you does not have to become your reality

Mirza 5 Works Cited

Richler, Mordecai. Barneys Version. Toronto: Pocket Books, 1997.