by Jeff Swenerton

Of all 20th century authors, none celebrates the mustache quite as much, or as deftly, as James Joyce, who had one himself. Though a common style of the time, the mustache nevertheless figures prominently on characters with dark, brooding personalities, or those whose stoic personalities belie their inherant sensuousness. Take, for example, a description in "Counterparts," from 1914's Dubliners, of Farrington, an admittedly sinister man:

"Farrington looked at the company out of his heavy dirty eyes, smiling and at times drawing forth stray drops of liquor from his moustache with the aid of his lower lip."

Suggested Reading

"Big Bushy Mustache," by Gary Soto

It's almost Cinco de Mayo, and Ricky's class is going to put on a play to celebrate the festive Mexican holiday. When asked to choose his costume, Ricky picks a big, bushy mustache, just like his dad's. He's tired of everyone telling him he looks like his mother. After all, he's a boy--he wants to look like his Papi. Although he's supposed to leave it in school, Ricky wears the mustache home, reveling all the way in how grown-up it makes him feel. But by the time he gets there, the mustache is gone, and Ricky dreads having to tell his teacher what happened. Lucky for him, his Mama and Papi have a plan. Ricky is delighted the next morning when his Mama hands him a new big, bushy mustache--fresh from the smiling face of his clean-shaven Papi! With humor and tenderness, Soto evokes a warm celebration of both the beloved tradition of Cinco de Mayo and the strong bonds of love between father and son.

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