While reading the story “Lust” I felt that it was told very raw and real, the author puts you in the spot of probably a trusted best friend that she is sharing her deep secrets with. When I first read the title I thought it must be about maybe a housewife that is separating away from her husband for another man that she desiring for, but definitely not a 15 year old girl that loves so freely. I certainly didn’t expect the story to take place in a private boarding school which seems to be setup for the upper class, but more of middle class women. The girl craves for sex to be accepted by boys because she doesn’t want to be alone, and if you want a boyfriend you much give them sex to keep them interested. She was probably put in this school by her parents to keep her focused on school and excel to get into college, but ironically like any other teenage girl she is boy-crazy whether it being society pressuring her into sex or her desire she is like any other teenager. For me I feel that the story is filled with irony like the examples I have stated, but also in the schools administration telling her that there is plenty of room for her to fornicate with a boy out of the eye of the public. This to me seems backward for a private school that they should be strict and increase enforcement of these kinds of behaviors rather than handing out condoms. I feel that the author is telling us that sex is more prevalent in society today no mater where you come from its occurring in younger kids whether it being society’s pressure or not it will happen. Although, she also shows the less desirable side of sex without having love in that you feel lonely and sad afterwards as if you have been used and the man has no more desire for you until he is ready to have sex again.
Do you think she is the lustful behavior to so many boys to feel gain acceptance among men or, rather because she is lonely off at boarding school by herself with which presumably without her family and friends?
I believe this young girl is simply trying to fulfill an emptiness that lies deep inside her. The tone of the story lets us know that she doesn’t necessarily want sex all the time but she feels that it’s just what she has to do. She wants the attention but doesn’t necessarily want things to progress into sex every time. In one sentence the narrator says “Some things I was good at, like math or painting or even sports, but the second a boy put his arm around me, I forgot about wanting to do anything else, which felt like a relief at first until it became like sinking into a muck”. Those last few words reveal a sense of disgust and helplessness over how far into it she had gotten. In another sentence the narrator says “So I’d go because I couldn’t think of something to say back that wouldn’t be obvious, and if you go out with them, you sort of have to do something”. These sentences, among others really show us readers that this girl was not sex crazed. She was seeking attention but didn’t know how to manage or handle certain situations.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you wrote about the author showing sex as being more prevalent among teenagers and also about the lack of love associated with this girl's activities. It helped me to see that maybe the author is trying to show that when teenagers engage in such activity it loses its meaning--the love.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, I think she engages in the activity initially because she is a hormonal teenager with few boundaries. She is not only away from home, but the administration--the people who are supposed to look after her--seem to be very lenient/uncaring. After that, it builds to be a habit formed around the belief she needs to satisfy men(boys) and is, in a way, validated by the housemother.
Craig,
ReplyDeleteYes, this story was so hard to read. Especially now as a parent. I can remember teenage years when girls spoke of sex so casually like it was nothing and it is so sad. I think that may have been the point the author was trying to make and that is way more prevalent than adults think. I think the narrator thought that this is just what a young girl does. I think also it was a high for her to get a new boy, kind of like a hunt. But, when it was over and the deed done she was left feeling empty again. Thus, the vicious cycle was repeated. Except each time it tore at her soul a bit more. Much in the same way a drug addict goes through the cycles of addiction.