Red

 

The symbolism of the color red has taken many forms—anger, death, courage, passion, sin. The boldness makes its meaning varied and according to both its user and its observer. Historically, red makeup has also been seen in many ways: prostitution, feminine power, and along with other makeup, tools of the patriarchy. In “When Women Love Men,” it is used as an embrace of feminine sexuality in the face of its condemnation.

While white is seen as the chastity of the Madonna-like wife, “the nostalgia of a white house like a dove that will never be held,” (258), sex is represented with a rainbow of colors: “the blue and green lights in the depths of their vaginas,” (258), “pink tits,” (259), and “chartreuse green with orange, in lilac with dahlia yellow, in those colors that invite men to relax,” (260). Yet, it is red that Isabel uses as a rebellion against Ambrosio.

Even while he was alive, Isabel would paint her nails and think of her inability to express her desire: “…so many years of painting my fingernails…Cherries Jubilee while I thought of her, Isabel la Negra, or perhaps I had already begun to think of myself, in that other identity that had begun to grow in me like a cyst…” (260). Her association between red and her own repressed desires has manifested itself in something temporary and controllable, like nail polish.

Isabel again applies her red makeup and nail polish after her reconciliation with her ‘other half,’ accepting her freedom now that Ambrosio is dead. It becomes an expression of individuality and self-love, as well as an openness with her sexuality as she embraces the other Isabel.