The article narrates the author's realization at age 66 of a long-standing affinity for sitting in a corner, particularly during a restaurant visit. This love for corners is juxtaposed with societal expectations of seating arrangements dictated by gender roles. Citing Gaston Bachelard's insights from 'The Poetics of Space', the author concludes that sitting in a corner symbolizes safety and comfort, contrasting the anxiety of being cornered. The exploration reveals both personal insight and wider implications on how environments affect one’s sense of security and observation.
Gastón Bachelard points out that the pleasure of being in a corner has nothing to do with the sensation of being cornered. In that situation you are under pressure; being in a corner, by contrast, is a position of safety.
When I was growing up, my mum said that if a man was out with a lady he should always walk curb-side; was there a version of this whereby the gentleman should always let the lady have the corner seat?
As soon as I sat down I was happy. Because I was in a corner. Realizing is one thing, but I also want to understand. Where does the satisfaction and pleasure of the corner come from?
The mob boss tends to favour the corner seat of a trattoria so that he can see who's potentially coming to whack him. This illustrates both surveillance and comfort, providing a unique perspective.
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