John Simon and others have also noted the contradictions in the character. She's defined as a big hearted, tolerent beyond her times sage who spouts "live, live, live!" but that philosophy is also blended in with her own bizarre take on class warfare. She always has to have "servants" to tend to her 24/7 needs, even when she cannot pay then, and even though she's kind to them, she is also patronizing and in her own way, bourgeois. It's supposed to be cute that this lady in gilt clothes cannot sell roller skates, but you never sense that she would appreciate a person who otherwise -- not in the depression - sells things for a living.
What if Patrick wanted to MARRY a maid -- or more realistically, a butler? Would she be so generous as she is toward the slick and in her own way, very limited Pegeen?
Yes, she appreciates all things bohemian, but she's a snob, too, and lives on the East Side and needs big cars, expensive clothes, and non-stop adoration. Let's face it, for all her "fun" and new window opening chatter, she's a flaming narcissist. Yeah, if you met her at a party, she might wear you out.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
Updated On: 3/5/07 at 09:07 PM