As a triplet, I have a multitude of experiences with groups of three: cakes, cell phones, books, etc. Until this week, while reading Orlando I hadn't encountered three dancing girls before. Purity, Modesty, and Chastity skip and sashay around Orlando in hindrance of the truth, which would set him free. They mock, they deceive, they enchant us to do their bidding and believe in innocence.
It’s this funny thing, innocence. Culture nowadays is geared toward two extremes – Disney naïtivity and pop culture bare-it-all views. There is no transition between the two, which is where the truth gets lost – why my mind was blown at the realization in class that ideas like purity and modesty hinder the truth, rather than help. “But men want us no longer, the women detest us. We go; we go. I (Purity says this) to the hen roost. I (Chastity says this) to the still unravished heights of Surry. I (Modesty said this) to any cozy nook where there are curtains in plenty” (101). The sisters aren’t wanted, are simply alone in the world which explains a lack of middle ground. They only apply to the young and then vanish as truth takes over.
Our discussion in class rotated around Purity, Chastity, and Modesty’s honesty-blockage and interactions with the trumpeters of Truth. What struck me as the most intriguing was Purity. I consider myself to be a relatively pure person, I pride myself on it. I’ve got my own definition of Pure, composed of my values, and I intend to stick to it. I’m operating under the assumption that it’ll lead me to a happier life; but this was all called into question. The discussion in class wove in and on, while my mind felt like the girls were waltzing inside of it, spinning circles of confusion and uncertainty in my core beliefs.
Finally, we as a class were directly asked – how did each element, separately, interact with Truth? I found myself confidently raising my hand, an unconscious movement. Something in that moment had kicked the dancers out, the glitter was gone and all was clear. I gave my answer as to why Purity endangered Truth, because she was too focused on her characteristic and rejected anything new. Purity doesn’t try different opportunities, for the risk they might lead to impurity. A question formed in the back of my mind – am I living my life too hidden, in the hen roost where Purity will return? If I have these beliefs, am I then holding myself back? The idea was horrifying, because I being limited is something I absolutely despise. But, what if? Do I abandon purity and embrace Truth?
Today, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. I don’t want to desert one, so I’m simply not going to. Purity, in less absolute form, can be combined with a less absolute form of Truth without losing the benefits of either. Truth can walk with Purity, hand and hand, simply with lower expectations. I believe my values can change, as can my view of Purity; as can standards for truth. They don’t have to be steadfast, that’s the beauty of the living; the ability to paint and blend the world and it’s attributes however we want. This acknowledgment made the fear of a terrible choice seem almost worthwhile.
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