Sanders Reflection

 Lucy Marous

One aspect of Sanders’ short stories “Looking for Rhonda Honda” that I really appreciated was all of the references to film noir and how the world building of the story created a similar setting for this story.

The most prominent way in which noir tropes are used in the story is the narration from the story’s detective Johnny Noir. Leaning into the detective archetype, Noir’s narration is defined by a certain wit and is very observational. As he is telling the story, he is sure to include any small detail, which really sets the scene. As he explains the details of Margot’s case and the Roadgrrls, Noir discusses the bikes ridden by the group: “Even more important, while any real biker would walk before he'd ride any bike but a Harley-preferably one made before the Xiangs BMW takeover-no roadkid would be caught dead on anything that slow and old-fashioned.” (247). Doing so not only provides exposition for the story, but is a great choice on Sanders’ part to blend the classic style he is emulating and the world he is building in this story. The use of this observational commentary to explain the technology firmly plants us in the future Sanders wants the story to be told within, which makes the futurism aspect of the story even more prominent for the reader.

Another way Sanders incorporates noir into his world is the subversion of the ‘femme fatale’ role with the character of Rhonda. Like the femme fatale characters of the past, Rhonda is dangerous and beautiful. Rhonda is described as blonde, tall, and “As if somebody had been practicing and then finally got it right” (253). Noir flirts with her and tries to take her away to talk alone. Although it is the case that takes him to this scary part of town with the danger of biker gang culture, it is Rhonda’s presence that motivates Noir to stay. In almost every way, their set up is that of a normal romantic relationship in the noir genre. The first subversion of this is the expectation of romance is taken off the table. In response to his flirting, Rhonda immediately shuts Noir down and reveals that she is happily with her girlfriend Donna. The other way the story strays away from the femme fatale stereotype is Rhonda’s helping Noir. While Rhonda seemingly leads Noir into danger when he follows her to the beach where he is threatened by Donna and fearful of the other Devil Dolls, Rhonda actually comes to his aid by helping him escape the fight after Margo reveals her true nature.

The ways in which Sanders uses film noir tropes to tell this story about the future is a really smart choice because its familiarity makes the story’s setting so much richer. The way he combines these old tropes with the new details of his future leads to a riveting story that makes futurism accessible in a whole new way.

Also, I am very glad we do not live in a world where Richard Nixon is on money. He doesn’t deserve that.

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