9-17-07 question 1

Didion was at first pleased, pleasured and winded by the great city of New York. There was so much to do, and so many different people to meet. She was overwhelmed by its excitement and energy. This is what Howe referred to as "first a pull toward the city,...". Though eventually she began to miss the west. She suddenly became aware of New York's smog, traffic, and noise. All the parties she attended, she realized were the same people over and over again. She would cry. She soon after found herself traveling back to California, though over to LA. She describes the dreamy sensation she was winded with as she got back. This is the "...then a disheartened retreat." that Howe was speaking of.