Jacques

In the book, Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, David struggles to accept his relationship with Giovanni, while in Paris. Character traits are a distinctive, but not necessarily invariable feature exhibited by all individuals of a group and capable of being described or measured. Jacques demonstrates two character traits in this chapter, which is being bold and afraid. Towards the beginning of the chapter, Jacques and Guillaume were in the taxi with Giovanni and David. Jacques and Guillaume, out of disrespect made indecent comments towards people, which lacked any sense of humor.

This was done to provoke and entice Giovanni and David, but they decided to not be perturbed by such boldness and vulgarity. After arriving at the café, Jacques and David engaged in a conversation, where Jacques wanted to play uncle with David. Jacques wanted David to accept his sexual identity, because if he did not he would end up trapped in his own body like how Jacques was. This meant that Jacques was afraid to tell people who he really was, which was being a gay person.

             Jacques, who is in his early fifties, seemed to be very bold. While in the cab, Jacques and Guillaume would exchange thoughts upon every male that would cross their path. This gave me the impression that he would speak his mind no matter who was around him or how it would affect people surrounding him. Jacques, a long time ago, worked in Les Halles, which was something he would never do again. As they were passing by, he would talk about it with such sadness. This showed that he mocked himself in a dramatic way. He gave the impression of always wanting to over exaggerate when it was convenient to him.

            A value is defined as something people cherish and have relative worth, merit, or importance in. Jacques values companionship and honesty. While he was talking to David, Jacques wanted David to realize that Giovanni was fond of him, which caused David to question whether it was due to their friendship or to a love affair. Jacques wanted David to love Giovanni, because Jacques wanted him to not be ashamed and not play it safe when it came to his happiness of being with Giovanni. Giovanni’s relationship with Jacques on the other hand was kind of uncomfortable. While they were in the cab, Jacques had asked Giovanni where he lived, which was a maid’s room. Before Jacques even knew where he lived he assumed he lived in a hotel, which caused a sort of awkwardness due to the fact of him not being well-off. 

            Jacques stated,” somebody should have told us that not many people have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished, and are perishing every hour-and in the oddest places!-for the lack of it (Baldwin, 58).” Jacques did not want David to be like him, which would be hiding from his sexual identity.