One Body

"She had been breathing very fast, but after a minute her breath slowed down so that she breathed in time with Berenice; the two of them were close together as one body, and Berenice's stiffened hands were clasped around F. Jasmine's chest" (109).

In a moment of tenderness and unity, F. Jasmine climbs into Berenice's lap feeling sick and overwhelmed. The two sit, almost in silence, and breathe in time together. The narrator describes the moments as if there were together "as one body". This moment could be suggestin that when allowed to calm down, and simply be with another person, it is possible to achieve a sense of togetherness and understanding that is other wise out of reach. Throughout the novel, Frankie struggles to find her place, and yet, she finds unity in a completely unexpected moment. Following this gentle moment, Berenice and Frankie discuss what it is to be on "caught" at a certain station in life: whether this be gender, race, or personality, most people feel caught in one moment or another.

What is the significance of this gentle moment between Frankie and Berenice? If Frankie stopped trying so desperately to find her place, do you believe she would find unity more often?