Lust

Lust is having a self-indulgent sexual desire.
The conflict in “Lust” is within the main character. She continuously finds herself in many different sexual encounters with members of the opposite sex. I do not personally believe the story is told in chronological order. In the opening of the story she stated, “Leo was from a long time ago, the first one I ever saw nude.” She didn’t state he was the first ever sexual encounter. The conflict was not resolved at the end; however, the ending was satisfying. The main character still holds the same conflict within her. The ending of the story is satisfying in that the main character seems to come to terms with the reality of what she is really doing. As readers we can only hope she solves her personal conflict.
Buddha stated. “Of all the worldly passions, lust is the most intense even more so common.” I would not be being honest if I said I could in no way identify with the main character. I have lusted for someone; I would like to meet a human who hasn’t. I believe the reality of that is exactly what makes the characters so realistic. I personally didn’t see much growth with the main character; she seems more so content with her promiscuous ways.
There are quite a few different settings in this piece of writing. The most important, in my opinion, reviles that she is enrolled in a boarding school. That bit of information provided answers to questions like, “where are her parents” and “ How is she having all this freedom”.
The main character is telling the story. Her telling her own story produces a more direct effect. Who’s a better person to tell your story than you? This very direct effect makes the narrator very reliable.
I did not discover any symbolism in this writing; therefore, I could not interpret any.
The themes of “Lust” are not directly stated, yet they are there. One of the themes in this writing is the sad connection between sexual characteristics and self-esteem. The narrator expresses emotions toward the connection by saying it “felt like a relief at first until it became like sinking into a muck”. Explaining the high-low effect of her actions. Sex is also a major theme is this writing; this is expressed by the main character expressing her feeling of defeat after the act. She simply commented, “something deep inside you ruined . . . you open your legs, but you can't or don't dare anymore, to open your heart.”