By Megan Pyper
This map shows the route that was taken by Aslima through the chapters that will be discussed as well as what she can see before the vision starts (namely the lighthouse)
One of the biggest questions readers ask after reading Romance In Marseille is, did Aslima love Lafala? This analysis would argue that she did, but that she only loved the side of him she created until it was too late to spot. Throughout this exploration of the early chapters of the novel, I aim to explore the character of Aslima, her intentions and perceived desires for Lafala.
Throughout the novel, Aslima seemingly has a significant change in character. She starts as someone the audience dislikes because of her betrayal and ends as someone whom we regret not having enough time to fully understand and dissect. The most obvious shifting point, except the end, is during chapters 9-11 where the readers find out her background and she runs away from Titin and has a vision. From her childhood she was raised to be sold like a broodmare, passed around whenever lucrative naturally causing a distrust in any relationship she goes on to have. This is something she is never allowed to forget, with her frequently being told “You’re a born whore.” There seems to be a direct contrast between the little girl Aslima who was “a pretty little girl,” to the “savage girl. She was vigorous, rough-tongued and reckless.” She is called Tigress consistently amongst the Quaysiders for that ruthlessness and we see that the other girls view her with that same level of distrust and dislike. La Fleur being the most notable, constantly hurling insults at Aslima and trying to seduce Lafala, in part for her own gain, but also to cause the detriment of Aslima’s future. However part of that survival instinct that La Fleur is using to spite Aslima is one she also has, the characters are more alike than they perhaps realise. After all, it wasn’t long before this novel is set that Aslima used Lafala and his money to an extent so high that his only chance of survival was escape.
By Chapter 11 although she remains forever changed by the horrors she has had to endure, there is a sense of hope as she disconnects from Titin to reclaim her own body and mind. He notices it instantly, commenting that “he did not feel in her body that desire and dependence [she once had toward him].” Aslima distances herself both emotionally and physically as she gets closer to this idea of home, she has rooted in Lafala. To some extent, Lafala’s disability and lack of payment causes Aslima to treat him not quite like a man in the traditional sense; As a result she creates this desire surrounding him and Africa as she no longer fully associates him as a transaction or as a man but as something greater, her link to freedom. Where Titin offers her safety behind closed walls Lafala offers what she wants most of all, freedom and an escape. This love is something she denies to some extent, when she first runs from Titin after he asks if she loves Lafala she laughs “Suppose I am,” mockingly showing that she doesn’t truly understand her own feelings at this point. And yet she hums an African tune when getting ready to meet him showing that even if she hasn’t consciously decided if Lafala is anything more than a momentary lapse in judgement, her mind has. This is only furthered when she flees outside only to have a vision of an African celebration after making a decision that aligns her with Lafala, To some extent, this vision serves as a remembrance of what Lafala means for her as well as a message of overall hope.
Through the map provided on this page, it explores the route Aslima might have taken to see this. One thing in particular to note is the “red light in the horizon” that first initiates her into this vision. It could also just be a flash of light in her own mind, but after some exploring there was a lighthouse nearby just at the peak of the Marseille ports so it is suspected that this is where she gazes off too before imagining her home. This reinforces the importance of Marseille as a city too, it is a port and therefore offers escape somewhat easier than anywhere else and the fact that Aslima looks towards her exit, the sea, is subsequent of that.
And yet, the vision ends. She shouts for Lafala “but a high wall arose.” Who or what this barrier is the readers can’t pinpoint, but after Aslima is determined to speak to Lafala about the vision despite her own reservations about whether it was good or bad showing that she wants to try at least. Once again, this thread of hope is what keeps Aslima going and inspires her time and time again to rise above her title of Tigress.
