Dorothy Allison: Trash Plume

If I am going to speak honestly, this expert seemed like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" meets Flannery O'Connors' "The Life You Save May be Your Own." The narration of this girl was spectacular. I really enjoyed her vernacular because it was simple yet the ideas she was expressing had a beautiful complexity of their own. Naturally, without having read any of the story prior to what was given in this assignment the beginning was a bit confusing. However The last two paragraphs were immaculate. The second to last was so relatable. It touched on some physical qualities of anger and holding in emotion I can relate to so well but have never thought to express into words. When reading it I was reminded and thus employed to think about my relationships and own struggles similar to hers. And of course any writing that really causes you to think and reflect upon your own life or the lives of others beyond the end of the paragraph is good writing. The final paragraph, though I could not personally relate to it, was equally as thought provoking. For one it is very revealing about the two characters. The aunt lives a fairy tale life and is perhaps as a result oblivious to the needs of others. Yet the narrator, who is so strong and can appreciate the subtle beauties of life, is forced to only watch. She has to watch her aunt mindlessly screw up and pick up the pieces for everyone. And worst of all she must choose not to vent her frustration because ultimately it would be unappreciated and never be understood. Throughout this ending Allison really conveys her characters emotions and struggles beautifully.