Date of Award

Fall 1985

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Program/Concentration

English

Committee Director

Anthony V. Ardizzone

Call Number for Print

Special Collections; LD4331.E64B36

Abstract

In the following collection of short stories, I examine some of the ways people face the decisions that affect their lives. In "Smoke Signals" and "Thin Ice," the protagonists make decisions that allow them to change and grow. The protagonist of "Postcard From L.A." makes a conscious decision to change, but that change will not lead to personal growth. In the final story, "Honeymoon in the Great Rift Valley, the protagonist chooses against changing her situation, even though she is aware this decision will inhibit her growth.

In all of these stories, negative emotions provide the catalyst for change and growth, or for the decision to resist growth. In "Smoke Signals, anger over the destruction of her sculpture provides the artist, Maggie, the courage to move into a new phase of her art as well as a new phase of her relationship with her lover. Maggie is experiencing a period of artistic stagnation and realizes she has allowed her relationship to take precedence over her art. She fears she must choose between them, but eventually discovers that she must find a balance between them to be happy with either.

In "Thin Ice, fear and uncertainty resulting from her pregnancy force Katy to face the truth about herself and re-examine her relationships with her family and her married lover. She knows her relationship with her lover is alienating her from her family, and she must choose between them. She realizes that her relationship with her family will be more productive for herself and her child.

Billy, the protagonist of "Postcard From L.A.," is carried away by his dreams of fame and success in the music business. When he is forced to choose between his personal integrity and convenience, Billy abandons the values he grew up with and opts for the lifestyle he associates with his dreams of success.

"Honeymoon in the Great Rift Valley'' is a story of expectations and appearances. Beth knows her marriage to Nigel is a mistake when her expectations don't coincide with reality. She realizes she has two choices; she can change her situation, or she can alter her expectations. For the sake of appearances, Beth decides to stay with Nigel.

One thing all these characters have in common is that they make a conscious choice. Even if they make the wrong choice, they retain the power to choose. Ultimately, these stories are all optimistic.

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DOI

10.25777/cx1r-wn47

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