Description
Describe the prejudices that were common in the 1980s and 1990s regarding HIV and AIDS. Do you think those same misconceptions are still prevalent today? Why or why not?
How does a story like “In the Gloaming” help challenge biases against those who have HIV or AIDS?
Gloaming:
Laird, who is dying of AIDS, has moved home and is confined to a wheelchair. He broods during the days, but on the first summer night, when they eat outside, Laird talked to his mother, Janet. His father, Martin had hurriedly left the table to delve into his work. Laird had recently declared a new policy: no visitors, no phone calls. On that peaceful, calm summer’s evening, Laird and Janet discussed the gloaming, the name for twilight in Scotland.
Laird said, “I always thought it hurt you somehow that the day was over, but you said it was a beautiful time because for a few moments the purple light made the whole world look like the Scottish Highlands on a summer night.” Laird said he was thinking of his childhood and a need to write a will. Janet couldn’t discuss the possibility. Thus their conversations began every evening beginning at twilight.
Janet became anxious for the twilight, like a girl with a crush; she became greedy for her time with him. They discussed Martin’s avoidance of his illness. Laird would get tired and Maggie, the nurse, would have to help Janet put Laird to bed. One night she asked Laird if he loved and was loved in return. He said yes. Janet then realized that Laird had been the love of her life. By the end of the summer Laird stopped talking.
Janet had imagined many future talks with him as the seasons progressed; she had been denying the reality of his death. Laird’s sister Anne came to visit. One gloomy day by the fire, Laird said, “the gloaming” and then died in Janet’s arms. Afterward, Martin asked Janet, “Please tell me–what else did my boy like?”
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