Imagine you are the single mother of a beautiful daughter named Zoe. Ever since your husband left, your daughter has done everything she can to help you through the troubled times alone. So naturally, you wish the best possible life for her. However, one day it turns out she loves a man who is turning blind.
This is the situation Zoe's mother is faced with in the short story The Juggler, written by Ursula Hegi, and in this essay I will take a closer look at Zoe, Zoe's mother (the narrator) and Zoe's lover, the nearly blind Michael. Finally, I will conclude by commenting on the title, as I think it sums up the essence of this short story perfectly.
Let's start this essay by taking a closer look at Michael. Michael works as a counselor at the elementary school where Zoe teaches. Although Michael still can see shapes, he does not have much of his sight left (p. 1 ll. 1-2: "He is as tall as Zoe; yet, when he talks with her, he fastens his gaze to some place above her"). No information is given on Michael's age, but my personal guess would be that he is well on in years (p. 1 ll. 12-13: "He has the kind of profile I've seen on antique coins-). However, Michael still appears to be a charming gentleman who gets on well with the ladies (p. 5 l. 161: "He's bright and funny and very attractive-). Throughout Zoe and Michael's visit, Michael seems to be doing alright despite of his handicap. Zoe naturally assumes the role of supporting Michael wherever they go (p. 2 ll. 25-26: " when the film starts, she translates the images on the screen for him"), but it does not seem like he is not able to take care of himself without the help of Zoe. In fact, Michael does not even seem to be bothered by his lack of sight. At no time is he asking Zoe for help, Zoe just provides the help automatically. Either because she likes it, or because she is used to helping out from her time alone with her mother. Or both? Actually, I think Zoe sees it as her natural responsibility to help Michael.
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