Some Goodis novels show the consequences of love lyric
cliches that still enthrall our culture. He dives into the
psyches of his characters like jazz does, chipping away at
the iron bars the cliches have built, and presenting a cosmic
sadness instead of treacley nostalgia. Eddie's one moment of
jealousy causes selfless Teresa's suicide and his own
despair. (_Down There_ = helpless self hate). Mooney is so
love sick for saintly martyred Catherine he gives himself the
runs (_Moon in the Gutter_). Harbin loves Gladden but can
only idolize and fatherly protect her; they get together only
to drown (_The Burglar)_. Whitey exchanges his greatest gift
for Skid Row once he sees Celia as a goddess whom neither he
nor any other male can approach, although any other cooch
dancer gets them hot (_Street of No Return_). Sir Philip
Sidney, meet Charlie Mingus.
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