My initial reaction to this short story was the simple thought, “What is the purpose to this story?” An entire story focusing on these three girls who come into a store dressed indecently seemed a little silly to me. I definitely had to think a little bit more to understand the point to it. Although it was difficult to find a point at first, the writing was very descriptive and interesting, so it held my attention. I couldn’t help but think though, as I was one page away from being finished, why the author decided to write this story.
As I got around to thinking about this story though, I realized how much the narrator and some of his fellow workers were charmed by these three girls, and realized just how much of an effect that charm had on these men. I think that Updike used imagery to fabricate this charm that had such an effect on the workers. Updike, through the narrator, spent quite a deal of time describing in great detail how these girls looked in their bathing suits. The narrator was greatly infatuated with “Queenie.” Not because of how she was internally, but how she looked. I think what Updike was trying to portray through this short story was the idea that you should not be fooled by something beautiful. The narrator stupidly quits his job simply because the manager told the girls to dress decently next time they come into their store. The narrator did this in hopes that the girls would look to him as their hero, but they walk right on out of the store without even paying any attention to him. The narrator received nothing from quitting. Not any recognition from those he was trying to defend, nor the pay that he was working for. The girls enchanted the narrator and stripped him of what he had. The great detail that was used in describing the girls helped the reader understand why the narrator chose to foolishly quit, and yet it is easy to see how he would soon regret this choice.
I was wondering if anyone else besides the narrator felt the enchantment that these girls radiated. The author used great detail in an attempt to help the reader see just what the narrator saw, and understand the narrator’s actions. Do you think he did a good job with this?
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteWow, your analysis was great. You mentioned that Updike demonstrated that beauty can be deceiving. Although, I didn't think of that on my own, I can appreciate your thoughts and I agree with you. I also appreciate the literary element that you picked out of the story. The way you connected the imagery to the "fabricated charm" of the girls was brilliant.
Again great post Ashley! I agree that the author did a wonderful job of creating the characters. The imagery he put forth was amazing. I was surprised though how quickly we skimmed over the tall girl. I also had trouble finding a point to the story. I had to think about it for a while and even after that I was still searching. I liked that you picked up on the fact that beautiful things can be deceiving because I saw this theme as don't judge a book by it's cover. She came across so superior but then she was so shy and insecure.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opening comments. I was thinking, “This story actually got published”? The narrative contained a good choice of words but at times it appeared the words were too descriptive for so little activity. I definitely didn’t feel the enchantment. I thought the story dragged on too long in the middle of the article.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously really good at finding the meanings in the story's that seem to not have much of a point at all. What a great analysis of this story! I do think the narrator did a good job of allowing the reader to see these girls the way that he did. His descriptions of them were the best part of this story.
Yes, I agree with you that the author did a really good job of describing these girls. The detail that he put into the descriptions and the analogies that he made were all very interesting. It was also really interesting to read how the author described certain parts of the body as other objects rather than simply saying that particular body part. I think that this made the readers more interested.
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