Just Kids by Patti Smith

Just Kids by Patti Smith

There are multiple ways to create a biography regarding a person’s life such as painting, book, or documentary. Distinct styles and means can evoke varied understanding and portrayal of who an individual really is. Stories like these can be visionary or autobiographical in the eyes of a second party. Just Kids educates the audience on Patty Smith’s complex character as a woman and a partner to Robert Mapplethorpe. The book approaches the style of storytelling as chronologically narrated by the author herself. A method of storytelling applied by Patty enables the reader to understand the protagonist and her emotions via the first-person point of view.

The story commences with narration on Mapplethorpe’s and Patti’s childhood, hence establishing a foundation of who the two are. The childhood of Patty commences when she notes that she strongly had the urge and desire to express herself, and her siblings were her initial eager conspirators in “the harvesting of my imagination” (Smith 6). It is this imagination that assists her to establish herself as an artist. It is clear from the beginning that she was a child that needed a creative outlet. On the other hand, Robert preferred "being an altar boy" (Smith 16), though he enjoyed his entrance into forbidden chambers, rituals, robes, and the sacristy. He is raised a catholic though he is a non-believer. All his experiences in the altar influenced his art later in life as he adopted sadomasochistic style. To Robert, Aesthetics is what matters rather than art. Therefore, he bases his artistic style on perception and not his knowledge. As the story unfolds from the beginning, it is easy for the reader to understand the chemistry and strong bond behind Robert and Patty and how they will assist each other to fulfill their dreams in the future.

The plot of the story begins from childhood of two main characters to Mapplethorpe's death. The chronological order and the unfolding events help the reader to observe changes in protagonist's lifestyle which symbolize women struggles during the late 1970s. The reader can compare different parts of Patty Smith’s life to understand her evolution and to track transformation to a person that she has become. Before Robert died, Patty wrote a letter to him stating that it dawns on her that he is “still the most beautiful” person despite all the years that have passed by, his hard work, and the struggles they have been through together since they were young (Smith 276). Patti shaped Robert’s life, hence expounding on the role of women in a relationship. Their partnership was mutually beneficial given their interest in art. They experienced parallel changes over the years, with both of them becoming successful artists because of their life dedication and unwavering support for each other’s interests. Their poverty did not hinder them from attaining their dreams at last, which extrapolates their genuine struggle and true strength in partnerships cemented by loyalty, care, mutual interests, and love. Patti instills hope in the readers (especially female readers) through her story filled with struggles and triumph against all odds and stereotypes in the society.

It cannot be denied that the author has a crazy persona, but the reader should peel the skin by exploring beyond the surface to understand who the main character is. Her personality demonstrates that she is a free-spirited person that can dare to venture and accomplish the unimaginable, at least by the people of her generation. There are several instances in the book where she was in a dire situation. During the time when Robert condition is worsening, she remains optimistic about his recovery. "You'll get better and I will get my job back," she says (Smith 88). At this moment, there is nobody around her and she is communicating with her inner self. Forming a morphine angel to communicate and channel frustrations is a testament to Patti’s crazy persona and her poetic side. She is willing to support Robert during his ailment. In fact, at one time, she gives him powerful drugs to ease his pain, thus demonstrating compassion, determination, and empathy as her traits. She often describes her engagements for the reader to relate to her situation. She evokes reader's emotions when she says "we played as one, and the pulse and pitch of the band spiraled us into another dimension" (Smith 248).

In summary, it is clear that Patti is self-driven and a caring partner. Her struggles inspire readers to work harder to attain their goals in life. Though she has a crazy persona, her free spirit pushes her closer to becoming an established imaginative artist despite setbacks.

Works Cited

Smith, Patti. Just Kids. London: Bloomsbury, 2011: 1-250. Print.