"The Body" Analysis

PLOT:
The plot of "The Body" is complicated, and it progresses rather slowly. The narrator of the short story is actually one of the characters reflecting on their past experiences as a young boy. The bulk of the story is about the adventure that Gordie, the narrator, and his friends embark on in the summer of 1960. They set out to discover the dead body of a missing boy their age named Roy Brower; they do this to seek fame and media attention. I think the underlying purpose or message of the story is how the four boys grew in friendship through this journey. The structure of the plot is what makes it progress so slowly. Many times throughout the work, the narrator stops to tell a small story describing the time period or discussing a character. These anecdotes, although somewhat helpful for characterization, make the story seem slow moving and harder to follow.

Point of View:
This short story is told in the first person singular point of view. Gordon Lachance ("Gordie") is the narrator, reflecting on his summer adventure with his childhood best friends. The story is told in past tense, many years later when he is now a published author. Small side stories are often told in dialog by other characters, but most all of the events occur in the eyes of Gordie. I'm not sure if he is considered an omniscient narrator or not, but he does have some insight on how the other characters are feeling. Also, I think that Gordie perceives things differently than his three friends. We are told that he is the smartest of the four, and we can also assume he has a brighter outlook on life. The story would be changed greatly if it were told in the eyes of Chris, Vern, or Teddy.

CHARACTERIZATION:
Since the story is told in first person point of view, the characters are mostly characterized by Gordie. Towards the beginning of the story, the scene consists of the boys playing cards in their clubhouse. The scene progresses slowly due to the narrators interruptions. During this time, all four characters are introduced. On page 295, Teddy and his incident with his "looney" father indirectly characterize his physical appearance as well as his war-like emotions. On page 289 Gordie tells about his brother Dennis' death - which illustrates his "invisible child" lifestyle. Page 301 consists of Vern's story about the "buried pennies." The way him and his brother, Billy, interact help to indirectly characterize Vern's personality as well. All throughout the the story Chris suggests his father's "mean streak" or "drinking habits" which reveals his family life. Lastly, Gordie directly tells the audience that Chris is the "toughest guy in [their] group."

SETTING:
"The Body" has many different settings since the narrator is recalling previous events and skipping around from past to present to tell significant stories. The story begins in the summer of 1960, in the four young boys' clubhouse. The bulk of the story takes place in this time period (centralized in Castle Rock, Maine) within a time span of 2-3 days. The different settings are the drugstore, the dump, the railroad tracks, the crossing at the river, the site where the boys camp, and the site of Roy Brower's body. Each of these places is given a vividly detailed description so the reader can easily imagine the scene. A few anecdotes are told about the boys in which change the setting and time period. Gordie also tells two of his stories, which have different settings and time periods as well. I believe the time period in which the story takes place has a significant affect. In the 1960's things were much different in all aspects of society than they are now. One would not consider age 12 a proper age to smoke, drink, curse, or go out on their own. The way the kids interact with adults show a similarity between then and today. The kids had little respect for adults, illustrated the best in the scene between Milo and the boys at the dump.

THEME:
In my opinion, the story has a deeper meaning than a boys' adventure. Many connections are made between the four characters throughout the story. The strongest friendship is prominently illustrated between Chris and Gordie. The two have secrets that only they know about each other, leaving out the other two at times. The boys have much in common: intelligent, stubborn, strong leaders, and good people at heart. The interaction between these two show the strongest bond of friendship anyone can have with another. Another underlying message comes from the fact that the whole story is a reflection of Gordie's most significant memory. It is evident from how much he can remember from years and years ago, that the adventure has replayed in his head many times. This shows that one should never forget their childhood memories, whether they are good or bad. The end of the story, telling how each of the boys faded away and ended up, also reveals the narrators motive for writing these stories.

Once Upon a Time - Question #4

"Can you fix the blame for the calamity that befalls the child? What are the possible meanings for the repeated phrase "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED"?

The tragedy that befalls the young child in the end of the story can be blamed on the parents or the "bad" neighborhood inhabitants. In my opinion, I mainly would put the blame on the parents. If these parents had not have went to extremes, the little boy would not have been mangled. On the other hand, if this extreme fence was was necessary (which I don't believe it was) then the parents should have taught and warned the boy about the danger the fence could bring. It was very ironic that the parents would try so hard to protect themselves, but ended up hurting the boy instead. I think the repeating sign "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" is really meant to be towards the parents. The sign was shown after each security item was added. If the parents had taken heed of their own sign, they would not have killed their son.

A Worn Path - Question #5

"Discuss the elements of plot and structure that dramatize Phoenix's journey. What are the obstacles to her quest?"

The vivid detail of the scenery and the senses illuminate Phoenix's journey. The fact that the journey is set in December (where its cold) makes it seem more difficult. The image that she uses a cane to help her walk also makes the journey seem harder due to her age and fraility. The point where she thinks she encounters a "ghost" in the field gives the journey a sense of suspense. When she realizes it's only a scarecow and she dances with it, a more lighthearted feeling comes about. Finally when she falls and meets the young hunter, the audience gets to see others' reactions to her. "..You take my advice and stay home, and nothing will happen to you" (page 227). This comment by the young hunter makes the quest a dangerous one. If he suggests she go home, the reader is left to wonder if she will make it to her destination safely.

Eveline - Question #2

"What in Eveline's present circumstances makes it desirable for her to escape her home? Characterize her father. What does the memory of her mother contribute to her decision to leave?"

Eveline has many contributing factors involved in her decision to leave her home. Her father is abusive and very stern according to her - he does not approve of anything she does or even of Frank. Next, Eveline is stuck with the constant reminder of her mother's sickness in the house. She was always working hard, both in the house and at her job, which she received little money for herself because of her father. Finally, she mentioned on page 218 that everyone else who was close to her had left home. "Now she was going to go away like the others, to leave her home." I was surprised when Eveline decided not to go away with Frank. All these situations seem to be more than reason to get away from her present life.

Miss Brill - Question #3

"How old is Miss Brill? What are her circumstances? Why does she listen in on conversations?"

In my opinion Miss Brill seems to be a middle-aged to older woman; however, she attempts to "pass" as a younger version of herself. In the beginning she mentions how she has to unbox her extravegant fur. If the fur was boxed away, maybe she wore it a long time ago and now she's bringing it out for her younger look. Also, she describes many people she obbserves as "old" (the "old couple") and other as "young". This gives me the impression that she is somewhere in between the two extremes. Miss Brill is living in France (foreign to her) while teaching her own English language and culture to others. She is mentioned to be constantly watching people and listening in on their conversations. I think this is because she is a lonely woman. On page 185 she says that "somebody would have noticed if she had'nt been there." She is making herself believe that she is wanted and not the lonely old woman that is described.

Characterization

Each of these three stories have a distinct relation to the characterization. In each there are three main, very different characters, that are described either directly or indirectly. In "Everyday Use" Mama, Dee, and Maggie all have certain qualities which set them apart from each other - but these qualities help to progress the plot. "Hunter's in the Snow" consists of three characters whom are also different. These three men basically are the story. The way they interact with each other tells the story's main point, "shallow friendship." In "Bartleby", each of the scriveners supplement each other. For example, Nippers is crazy during the morning but Turkey takes over after noon. Gingernut is simply the errand boy.

Everyday Use

In this short story, Dee stuggles with her identity. Mainly a struggle of her heritage. She gives proof that she is unhappy with the African American side of her background. On page 175, Dee's mother gives a detailed description of her. She discusses how Dee always hated their old house, and how she was not happy until they had the money to send her to a nice preppy school. To me, this reveals that she is negative person and also very determined. I get the impression that she makes her opinion known and follows through with it. Dee surprises the readers when she spontaneously changes her name. This illustrates that she is more than accepting of her true African side of her heritage.

Hunter's in the Snow - question # 4

I think Kenny undergoes a major dynamic change throughout the course of the story. Towards the beginning, he is very rude and mean to Tubb. He also acts like an arrogant jerk. These men's friendship seems extremely shallow. For example, he almost hits his "friend" Tubb with the pickup truck and laughs about it. This was the very first time his character was revealed to the audience, not a very good first impression in my opinion. The reader immediately perceives him as a "bad guy." Finally, Tubb gets sick of his mocking ways and shoots Kenny in the stomach. Once Kenny gets shot, his softer side emerges. He immediately apologizes to Tubb and says it was all a joke. This change for the better only came about after a tragic event.

Bartleby - question # 4

Bartleby's constant and consistent response of "I would prefer not to" has little affect on Turkey, Nippers, Gingernut, and the lawyer's daily routine. Of course they are all a little taken back by his unusual response. When asked what he thought of the situation Turkey's own opinion was "Think of it?" he roared, "I think I'll just step behind his screen and black his eyes for him." (This was after twelve o'clock noon: his "crazy" period.) Nippers responded in a similar way - also during his different period of time. Other than there reactions, the men's routine was hardly changed. There had always been only the four of them writing and running errands, so Bartleby's lack of assistance went unnoticed most of the time. The main reason I think that the lawyer did not fire him after his first refusal was because he was a very quick copier. I also have a theory that he could not read, only copy words.

Similarities

"How I Met My Husband", "Interpreter of Maladies", and "A Rose for Emily" all have one thing in common. They each involve a direct relationship between the two main characters. In "How I Met My Husband", the plot is based around Edie and Chris Watter's interactions with each other. Although Chris Watters is not involved in the resolution of the story, his relationship with Edie progresses the story so that the main purpose (how and why Edie married the mailman) is revealed. "Interpreter of Maladies" illustrates the "settling" aspect of the story by telling of Mrs. Das' and Mr. Kapasi's interaction. If not for there conversation about life and its struggles, the story wouldn't convey it's point. Lastly, "A Rose for Emily" distinctly uses the relationship between Miss Emily and the people in the town to show progress the plot. Without this description, the unknowing emotion of the people towards Emily would not have added to the creepy affect. Each of these relationships play a vital role in the plot and structure of the short stories.

Interpreter of Maladies

This short story incorporates an important theme of settling for less. At the beginning, both Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi show signs such as boredem that may cause the readers to make inferences about their lives. It can be infered that these two characters might be annoyed or bothered by the way things are progressing for them..maybe a lack of adventdure, fun, or even love and lust. Later, Mrs. Das directly states (pg 162) the things in her life that have gone wrong. She claims she is extremely unhappy with her situation. Both of these characters act this way, but nothing is really done by either of them to escape their troubled lifestyle. If it were me, I would go off and find something better to do with my life than wallow in self-pity. Maybe they feel that they have certain obligations to uphold where they are now.

A Rose for Emily

This short story equals creepy. Webster's definition of creepy: "having or causing a sensation of the skin, caused by fear or horror; obnoxious, weird." My definition of creepy: "A Rose for Emily." Not only is the plot weird, the structure of the short story is also erratic. Narration skips around from past to present, event to event, and it is very hard to keep up. Although description is given of Emily's background, its not organzied well enough to easily interpret a motive for the events in the story. All that is really said about her family is that they are also weird, creepy, and possibly crazy. Obviously we get that. I do not know if the broken and unorganized structure has a purpose or not. To me, it gives the story more of an edge and adds to the unknowing and CREEPY tone of the story.

How I Met My Husband

The structure of this short story by Alice Munro is not what one would think of as typical. It begins by giving background of Edie, the main character. It also characterizes the other people who play a role in the story such as: Mr. and Mrs. Peebles, Loretta Bird, and Chris Watters. Next, Munro shows the progression of the plot by describing the events that took place between the characters, especially Edie and Chris Watters. I looked at the title and at their relationship to make my inference that Chris was the future "husband" mentioned. (I'm sure I wasn't the only reader to make this prediction either.) The story takes a huge turn on page 145 (the second to last page) when the mailman is introduced. After fifteen previous pages of description, the unrelated resolution is revealed. In my opinion, Munro does this structure for the sole reason to keep the reader on his/her feet and to receive the unexpected. It makes the story much more interesting.