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encendida para un Anima muy pecadora" (1,308) as it is indeed something
of a religious rite as far as he is concerned. He is exorcising his bo-
dily cravings, but that is not what Godofredo sees or relates to the hus-
band, Pablo, who is driven to suicide because he takes a causal view
Retribution for the suicide of Pablo is swift, being executed by the
lianas which scratch a cross on Godofredo's right eye; they seem to be
an agent of God. Lezama makes his condemnation even more pronounced here
but it is directed not against an act; rather it is a thought that re-
ceives his displeasure. When dealing with Farraluque's exploits, he
uses a different technique which is aptly described by R. GonzAlez:
Del realismo ha tomado los detalles que le sirven para
exagerarlos y presentarlos ante el lector en un plano
mayor del habitual, a la manera de un caricaturista.
La secuencia de escenas sexuales de capitulo VIII pade-
ce esas observaciones tremendist en la exageracidn
encuentra su manera de crftica.
I believe it is a most effective method which ensures enjoyment of Lezama's
luxurious style in the full knowledge of his intentions.
Lezama turns once more to the homosexual embrace as a prelude to
the lengthy discussions of the same, but that is not the end of sexual
unions in Paradiso; Celita and Focidn's uncle Julianot Foci6n and the
"Pelirrojo"., Fronesis and Lucia, Daisy, George and Foci6n- all have a
part to play in the sexual symbolism of the novel. The participants here
involved are Baena Albornoz, the aggressively macho rowing expert, and
Leregas, of phallic notoriety. Albornoz is truly one of the mighty fallen,
even more so because Lezama builds up his masculine image, only to bring
him, literally, to his knees. He is described as affecting "el gesto de
Heracles pase9ndose por las costas del Mediterr9neo con un bastos en la
mano" (1.341) and his sporting comrades are similarly majestic. He is
like a mighty Creek god who is soon shown to be Narcissus in disguise,
despite his loud protests to the contrary. The ironically named La