FICTION

Critical Analysis:

FICTION (Alice Munro)

1. The beginning of the story portrays a fascinating and optimistic appeal

to the audience through the understanding and comprehensive

relationship of Jon and Joyce. The hard working nature of both the

partners shows the struggle and intensity to utilize their life to live to full

extent.

2. The union of the couple was quite an immature decision to see off their

college and start a living. Not having a fixed job, deciding to get married,

was certainly childish. This very act also shows the lack of involvement

of the families in the personal life of their kids. Had there been a

emotional touch with the family, they would have thought many a times

before taking such decision.

3. The so called fairy tale ‘LOVE’ between Jon and Joyce turned out to be

mere infatuation which is common in college days. Jon being impressed

by a lady, Edie, his apprentice shows the weaker part of relationship

between Jon and Joyce. Love is sacrificial. If there would have been love

between the two, absolutely no chance of the third person coming in,

would take place. It reflects the momentary shift of attraction can cause

a life changing decision.

4. Some do drugs, some live a plain life and some may be different, but in

the end we look up for a tiny space, may be a hole, which hides us from

the terrible world’s reality. Joyce tried to do the same. After rejection

from her husband she tried various ways to get her life back to normal

or make herself busy as to get over the past, but couldn’t. Finally, she

marries Matt to stabilize her life and cherish some better moments in

her life. Here as well, the relationships are made a joke. Matt, having

married thrice and their sons and daughter mixing up as who belongs to

whom creates a satirical situation. The whole situation is based on

‘instability of thoughts’.

5. ‘Fiction’ by Christie O’Dell was read by Joyce very curiously and with full

interest. This shows that, still a part of her mind and her heart belongs

to her past. Joyce never knew that the girl she dropped each day teaches

in the school, was the daughter of her husband’s girlfriend. She spent

time with her at ice cream parlour and during the returning hour. After a

long time and having read the story, Joyce was emotionally touched and

greeted Christie with fascinating present.

Bibliography:
-Munro, Alice.Runaway. New York: Vintage, 2004. Print
-Pandey, Dr Sanjay Prasad. ”Beauty: Illusion or Reality”.
The Achievers journal 1.1(2015) n.pag.web
<theachieversjournal.com>

By Aman Kaushik

Reg. 11405643