... over generations of traditions and rules people have come to despise such an act because of the repercussions it may have on how a person can be viewed in the public eye. In the last couple stanzas, Olds makes it clear that when it really comes to the meaning of life, "love" is actually meaningless. All people have are experiences ... physical point of view. This person will always be the "single body alone in the universe." But to the deeper intellectuals who can see beyond the "faces red as steak" (6), realize in order to make a connection with the universe an emotional bond needs to ...

• Word Count: 774
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... how the astronomer had plenty of control over her and that he makes her the way she is. While the plumber is there the author states how she was wearing red kid shoes. The reason is probably she wants to feel young again. Her marriage makes her feel like an old lady and she wants to feel her age. When the ... is introduced into the story he appears to be a manly-man. He is gruff, tough, and hardy with dirty shoes. When he "looked at her fully almost insolently in the eye" he gave her attention with his masculine stare. But the most important thing is that he is respectful to her. He tak...

• Word Count: 1192
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... there is something supernatural about Nicholas. He thinks that studying so much is bad. He is so jealous he takes the hinges off his door so he can keep an eye on Nicholas. He mutters "spells" to try to break a curse on Nicholas, Nicholas hears this and realizes how gullible John is and devises a plan so that he and Alison can ... him and sticks her butt out the window. Absalon kisses it, and then hears their laughing, and realizes that he'd been made a fool. He swears vengence on them, and gets a red-hot poker to burn them with. He comes back, and tries to tempt her to come out again w...

• Word Count: 837
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School