First published in 1964, as part of a collection by Patrick White, "Being Kind to Titina" is a short story set in the newly declared republic of Greece.
             Patrick White, known for his combinations of "myths, symbols and allegory" ("Books & Writers," Internet, 2000) depicts the story of Dionysios and his evolving relationship with neighbour Titina using a detailed, highly imaginative style of writing and sombre tone.
             Written in first-person narration, the story is told by one of the principle characters, Dionysios. The characters and events are described through Dionysi's own experience, thoughts and feelings. The distinction between narrator and author is not clearly evident, though a connection can be made between the author, Patrick White and the character Titina, who experiences a large part of life in isolation. "Titina Stavridi withdrew from our lives, to a distance of windows or balconies." (P. 213) White's stories frequently dealt with misfits or eccentrics, people somehow removed from society, as he was, due to his "homosexuality". ("Boston Globe", Internet, 1998)
             Simplified, the story shows the power of beauty and money. When the Stavrides move into the house opposite that of Dionysius and his family, Titina is treated as a pariah, as a person removed from society due to her unattractiveness. Dionysi and his siblings continuously criticize the girl, who "might have been a statue, but an ugly one." (P. 209). They take her to the beach, on the orders of their Aunt, however taunt her whenever possible. In contrast, years later when Dionysi encounters Titina for a second time, as a pretty, rich and confident woman, he has a different attitude. "I had become the awkward thing of flesh that Titina Stavridi used to be" (p. 216), Dionysios is now in awe of the same woman he insulted relentlessly, due only to her change in appearance. Wh...