Despite these differences, there are also many similarities between the two. The plot similarities are obvious, including the fact that both have affairs beginning and continuing in similar circumstances. Both have husbands that they do not wish to leave, partly out of habit and partly out of pity. They compartmentalize their lives and are able to think of themselves as somehow different people when with their husbands and with their

..Dad was an impatient man, any display of weakness made him squirm. Mom smiled at his words of criticism but rarely contradicted, not quick or bold enough, to match wits with him" (77). Another symbolic illustration of suppression within Oates' family in "We were" is the apparent conflict that Bim experiences for his father. He tries to suppress both love and hate for his father, for expressing love would mean "weakness"

Manipulation is the primary theme of Joyce Carol Oates' short story, "Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Through the careful development of her characters, Oates presents us with details that enhance a tale of violent manipulation thrust upon an innocent girl. This paper will examine Oates' technique and how it contributes to the overall effect of the story. Oates spends a considerable amount of time describing Connie. Our first

Teenagers in Conflict With Their Environment At the time of the stories Teenagers are often in conflict with their environment. What some call the "rebellious" years are at times just periods in a person's life where he or she may feel confused, lost, and alone. Three stories by Oates, Boyle, and Gilman highlight the lives of teenagers and their conflicts within their worlds. Each character will show how teenagers may act; the

Melville�s Spouter Inn Some of the best descriptive essay�examples can be found among the writings of the greatest authors.� Consider a chapter in Moby-Dick by Herman Melville:� every chapter of that book is like a mini-descriptive essay.� Look at the way Melville uses description to create atmospheric effect in the first line of �Chapter 3:� The Spouter Inn� from Moby-Dick:� �Entering that gable-ended Spouter-Inn, you found yourself in a wide, low,

Small Avalanches1One of the biggest challenges for Munro was simply getting the rights to the story to make the film. She called three times a week for 2 months to Oates� literary agent and got nowhere. Finally, she just went to where Oates was teaching at Princeton, waited outside her office, and spoke to her in person and that is how she got permission to use the story for her