"Many Mansions" By Joan Didion

http://books.google.com/books?id=DMDjrDjBYZgC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=joan+didion+many+mansions&source=bl&ots=HR3gqAa-IE&sig=md7ABJ6_cZ_1HOSjsX-Yr9j6eow&hl=en&ei=dTiqS6-9NoT6lweVsODfBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBIQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=&f=false



Above is a link to "Many Mansions" by Joan Didion.


This narrative begins with descriptive language about the structure and foundation --what went on to building it -- of the house. However, everything is "un"--it's unfurnished. It lacks. Through this subtext, we learn that Didion is associating this house with the bankruptcy of California during the time. It's a symbol for all that has faded.

Her narrative is also heavily sprinkled with real estate jargon--this jargon is used uniquely because she mocks the diction. It calls attention to what the house is not--therefore making it appear to be inauthentic. It claims Americana history--but there is more room in the Governor's house for booze than books.

However, Didion does know life with a soul--it is a house that has more human spaces, more charm, and more privacy.