The fictional story, “Good People”, written by David Foster Wallace is about a young couple facing a life-altering decision. Wallace writes with significant and detailed focus on the two characters, Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri. Imagery is seen significantly through this story as reader can picture a number of scenes in their minds as they follow the story. Extended metaphor is seen in both the title of the story as well as a small amount within the body. The title itself is named “Good People” which triggers the question in the reader’s mind; “What is a good person?” Several factors play into the decision the characters struggle to make with faith being the most significant. Wallace uses empathy throughout passages in which reader cannot imagine what being in the character’s shoes. He wishes the reader to create a visual image in their mind to assist in the understanding and difficulty of this decision which Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri are facing. Through setting, imagery, and character traits readers are able to gain empathy for their difficult situation. Wallace begins the story immediately setting up a visual picture for reader by describing the details of the park at which Lane Dean Jr. and his girlfriend are sitting at. Wallace writes “There had been more storms that week, with some downed trees.” (Wallace150) Here reader can picture an after storm scene with branches lying and fallen trees. Wallace intentionally sets up the setting to closely resemble the storm-like decision this young couple is facing. Another example of setting representing the mood is, “Lane was still very still and immobile and looking past the bank at the downed tree in the shallows and its ball of exposed roots going all directions…” (Wallace150). The setting here is quiet yet still sets the mood to the decision, Lane is here struck with silence and looking upon the tree where its roots were exposed and the tree would likely begin dying with time. This young couple is facing a decision in which their lives will drastically change with either side of the decision; whether or not to have an abortion. Reader goes on to feel empathy for both Lane and Sheri as they struggle to decide what is right. Toward the beginning Lane reassures Sheri saying “he’d go with her and be there with her.” (Wallace150). Here reader may feel that they have decided to have the abortion. Throughout the story Lane struggles greatly telling Sheri “that he did not know what to do.” (Wallace150) Lane knew that he could not force this decision upon her, he wished to tell her the “appointment could get moved back” (Wallace150). Lane also began to struggle with the decision if he truly loved Sheri, he deeply cared for her but struggled with the idea of whether or not their final decision would affect his feelings toward her. If he did not truly love her, he felt as if they kept the child he would need to love Sheri only for the sake of their child. The use of imagery in “Good People” is seen in a number of ways.
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Wallace writes, “The girl wore a thin old checked cotton shirt with pearl-colored snaps with the long sleeves down and always smelled very good and clean, like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love.” (Wallace150) Here Wallace describes a beautiful and young lady. He uses the phrase “like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love” (Wallace150) to more deeply emphasize on Lane Dean’s mixed feelings towards Sheri. Sheri is seen as a young lady which while she is facing a difficult decision, it is proposed she is angel-like and easy to love; the type of person anyone likes to be around. Imagery is seen by reader in the description of Sheri because it creates an image in reader’s mind of a young lady seemingly peaceful sitting upon the picnic table, resembling a person of which someone passing by may look upon as a “good person.” Wallace writes with significant detail on the traits, thoughts and personalities of Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri, this assists reader in better understanding reasoning behind the struggle of how to make the decision and what would be right or what
Wallace writes, “The girl wore a thin old checked cotton shirt with pearl-colored snaps with the long sleeves down and always smelled very good and clean, like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love.” (Wallace150) Here Wallace describes a beautiful and young lady. He uses the phrase “like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love” (Wallace150) to more deeply emphasize on Lane Dean’s mixed feelings towards Sheri. Sheri is seen as a young lady which while she is facing a difficult decision, it is proposed she is angel-like and easy to love; the type of person anyone likes to be around. Imagery is seen by reader in the description of Sheri because it creates an image in reader’s mind of a young lady seemingly peaceful sitting upon the picnic table, resembling a person of which someone passing by may look upon as a “good person.” Wallace writes with significant detail on the traits, thoughts and personalities of Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri, this assists reader in better understanding reasoning behind the struggle of how to make the decision and what would be right or what