The Juxtaposition of Relatability and Defamiliarization

Though unique in many respects, The Mezzanine is defined by two common literary devices – relatability and defamiliarization. The omnipresence of these two conventions transforms an otherwise incoherent document of ramblings into a work of thought evoking art. In isolation, these two conventions seem ordinary – both are implemented to retain reader attention and facilitate plot pacing. However, the simultaneous use of these two devices seems objectively counterproductive. In theory, the concepts of relatability and defamiliarization, being inherently opposed, should detract from each other rather than complementing one another. On one hand, relatability immerses readers into a work of literature by strengthening their bond with the relatable character. In the case of The Mezzanine, relatability is inseparable from humor – often accompanying Howie’s accounts of unremarkable actions that all readers have experienced. Conversely, defamiliarization deals with abstraction, creating engagement by forcing readers to consider a subject on a deeper, conceptual level. Howie’s pervasive defamiliarization often offsets his moments of relatability, portraying him as a strange specimen rather than a relatable everyman.

Of all the thoughts streaming through Howie’s consciousness, there is perhaps none more relatable than his system for retesting personal preferences. Coming off a tangent about milk delivery services, Howie says “I drink milk very rarely now; in fact, the half-pint carton I bought at Papa Gino’s to go with the cookie was one of the very last times: it was a sort of test to see whether I could drink it with the old pleasure. (You have to spot-check your likes and dislikes every so often in this way to see whether your reactions have been altered, I think)” (Baker 42). Comments such as these establish rapport with readers, sparking the epiphany that they too have been in Howie’s situation, performing the exact same actions. Simultaneously, this moment of relatability supports the larger theme of the novel – appreciation for subconscious everyday occurrences that are traditionally either written off as mundane or disregarded entirely. 

The second literary device, defamiliarization, takes many forms throughout the novel. Sometimes it manifests as one of Howie’s behaviors that is markedly not relatable, such as his methodology for peeing at public urinals. More commonly, it takes the form of an extensively detailed observation of an ordinary object, often riddled with metaphor. For example, while contemplating the functionality of a record, Howie mentally explores the grooves of the record by weaving an analogy between ice skating and record playing. Although the connection between the two is logical, it is likely not something that the average person dedicates though to. Therefore, the metaphor evokes profound consideration of two formerly familiar objects, thus promoting the overall objective of the story – encouraging readers to revel in common life experiences and observations.

Although the devices of relatability and defamiliarization cast Howie in opposing lights, both ultimately solidify The Mezzanine’s broader theme of appreciation for everyday life. The two conventions both draw attention to elements of everyday proceeding which are typically subliminal. Indiscriminate usage of the rivaling literary devices conveys the primary theme of the novel at the expense of consistency for Howie’s character.