Short Story Analysis
Mary Robison uses a third-person narrator, an objective observer, to conveytone and theme in her short story "Yours." The narrator's stance perfectlyparallels the seemingly detached attitude of the main characters, Allisonand Clark. Although Allison is sick, the narrator only mentions herimmanent death at the end of the tale, only hinting slightly at hercondition by stating that the thirty-five year old woman wore a wig.However, that mere fact would not necessarily suggest illness; the narratoralso focuses strongly on the eerie setting of an October night in Virginiaas the backdrop for the story. Suggesting death, the Halloween atmospherecorresponds to the narrative. In fact, the wig implies disguise, afundamental aspect of the Halloween holiday. Furthermore, Allison and Clarkavoid addressing death directly, just as the narrator does: the bulk of thestory consists of descriptions of the couple carving pumpkins on t
The frightening, flickering facesreflect Clark's mood. Very little insight is offered into how Allisonactually feels; however, the narrator offers a lot of subtle cues that helpthe reader formulate a clearer picture of her personality and her life. Being "in the dark" about many of the mattersaffecting Allison and Clark is reflected in the gloomy nighttime aura andthe proximity of Halloween, a holiday signifying death. The narrator offers some insight into Clark'sperspective and personality for the first time in the tale. The couple has only been married for four months, and their agedifference is considerable. Clark's beingalone is emphasized by his interaction with the jack-o-lanterns; he watchesthem, and they watch him in return. Judging by the letter, Clarks' daughterprobably disapproves of the marriage but could be totally unaware ofAllison's health condition. Moreover, her volunteer worksuggests a selfless personality; although she is near death shenevertheless volunteers her valuable time and energy. Their loving banter about whose jack-o-lanterns aresuperior belies the tenderness underlying their relationship. Because the narrator's attitude andobservations closely mimic those of Allison and Clark, the third-personobjective point of view enables the reader to understand the impact ofdeath on its main characters. The narrative would have a different impact had the narrator been oneof the main characters. However, Allison and Clark are intimate; theirrelationship is ironic because in spite of his advanced years, she is theone close to death. What isn't discussed becomes as powerful as what is,similar to the way in which what is carved out of the pumpkin becomes asimportant as what is left behind. The third-person omniscient narrator provides the reader of "Yours"with limited insight.
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