CHAPTER 28 – Inconsistencies

The chapter “Inconsistencies” narrates an insightful conversation between the protagonist, who finds himself engaging with a young Turk during a summer evening ball. As the evening unfolds, the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western social etiquettes and norms become the focal point of their exchange.

The setting begins with the protagonist escaping the mundane chatter of other men about golf and racing by retreating to a quiet corner of the piazza to enjoy his cigar. The tranquility is soon interrupted by the presence of a solemn young Turk, puzzled by the late commencement of the ball compared to the time mentioned in the invitation. The protagonist explains the casual approach of American social gatherings, where the timing on the invitation is often disregarded.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the social fabric of American society as they observe the guests transitioning from casual groupings to engaging in dances. The Turk, with his conservative background, is perplexed by the apparent contradictions in American social norms—where on one hand, strict societal codes seem to govern interactions, while on the other, intimate forms of dancing are openly accepted.

The protagonist elaborates on American social conventions, distinguishing them from European standards. He highlights the paradox of American societal norms where the external display of wealth and success overrides the conventional prerequisites of social acceptance. He points out the inconsistency in judging women based on their attire, revealing the prejudice towards modesty based on context and setting.

An interesting aspect of their discussion revolves around the American concept of flirtation, and the role of women in society which, according to the protagonist, often leaves husbands in a neglected state. They delve into the peculiar practice of women dressing provocatively for public events like the opera, which seems to contradict their otherwise conservative societal values regarding modesty.

The chapter closes on a note of confusion and wonder from the Turk, as he tries to reconcile the conflicting norms of modesty and social etiquette between daylight and evening events, between private and public settings. The protagonist struggles to offer sufficient explanations that bridge the cultural gap, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities and contradictions within American societal norms.

Through this dialogue-driven narrative, the chapter provides a reflective critique of the societal constructs and the often arbitrary nature of social acceptability, challenging the reader to question what constitutes propriety and the influence of cultural context on our perception of it.