Tobias Wolf's short story "Say Yes", found in Discovering Literature, edited by Hans P. Rico, it submits the question of whether or not interracial marriage should be accepted. Wolff uses many different elements to help convey the meaning of the story such as characters, setting, and, style. .
The story opens with Ann and her husband washing the dishes and discussing the controversial subject of interracial marriage. Ann believes that if two people are in love, it does not matter what race they are. Her husband, whose name is not mentioned, holds the opposite position. Ironically, not to long into their debate, Ann's husband suspects that she is implying he is racist. He defends, "I went to school with blacks, and lived on the same street with blacks and we have always gotten along just fine" (15). He then proceeds to tell her that white people should not marry black people because of difference in their culture.
During the course of the story, the argument transforms from the general viewpoint to a personal conflict. Ann wondered if her husband would have married her if she was a black woman. Their entire resolution to the conflict revolves around his answer. They discussed many different variables and finally he came to the conclusion that he would not have married her. She is angry about his decision and retreats to the living room to read while he finishes the dishes. .
Wolf seems to focus on the action of Ann more than of her husband, and he does not even tell the reader his name. The only knowledge Wolf provides the reader about Ann's husband is that he is narrow minded, yet he is considerate toward his wife. Ann, on the other hand, seems to expect her husband to agree with all of what she says and she acts in a stubborn and selfish manner. These being the only two characters in the story, provides a stunning contrast in ideas and personality.
The author uses the simple chore of washing the dishes to parallel the stage of Ann and her husbands fight.