paper 2
Shauna Kitching
Comp II
Paper #2
Conformism or Individualism
“A Lifestyle”, the short story written by Fernando Sorrentino tells a tale of a man who has been trapped in his apartment for a long time. In this man’s particular “tiny accident” half of his key breaks off in the lock of his tenth-story dwelling as he is trying to leave and he is absolutely unable to get it out despite much effort. Upon the arrival of a locksmith, he’s informed that his predicament is quite extreme and would cost a large lump sum which he did not have with him. The man is honest; he tells the locksmith he does not have the money with him but that he could get it for him as soon as he was released. After the initial locksmith refuses him service, he soon realizes he has been ban from using any locksmith in the area. This decision, amongst others the man has made in the past, seals his fate and his apartment door-forever. Throughout the story the man demonstrates a peculiar lack of emotion and comes off as rather judgmental. His nonchalant attitude towards being trapped in his apartment represents his inability to cope with everyday life and his inner desire to shut people out completely. A trend of independence emerges when the locksmith, the janitor, and each acquaintance all refuse to help the trapped man. Rather than resort to panic or attempt any dangerous methods of escape, the man chooses self-preservation in an alternate “lifestyle” which speaks to his unwillingness to conform to societal norms. The man’s static nature is outlined by the lack of motivation to get out of the apartment, which also signifies his failure to gain insight of why he is unhappy in the real world. As the story progresses the main character is faced with a series of internal conflicts with society. When the locksmith proudly recites his position and protocol to the trapped man, he foolishly mocks him saying “you’re joking, of course”- one of his many failed interactions that represents the man’s clash
Comp II
Paper #2
Conformism or Individualism
“A Lifestyle”, the short story written by Fernando Sorrentino tells a tale of a man who has been trapped in his apartment for a long time. In this man’s particular “tiny accident” half of his key breaks off in the lock of his tenth-story dwelling as he is trying to leave and he is absolutely unable to get it out despite much effort. Upon the arrival of a locksmith, he’s informed that his predicament is quite extreme and would cost a large lump sum which he did not have with him. The man is honest; he tells the locksmith he does not have the money with him but that he could get it for him as soon as he was released. After the initial locksmith refuses him service, he soon realizes he has been ban from using any locksmith in the area. This decision, amongst others the man has made in the past, seals his fate and his apartment door-forever. Throughout the story the man demonstrates a peculiar lack of emotion and comes off as rather judgmental. His nonchalant attitude towards being trapped in his apartment represents his inability to cope with everyday life and his inner desire to shut people out completely. A trend of independence emerges when the locksmith, the janitor, and each acquaintance all refuse to help the trapped man. Rather than resort to panic or attempt any dangerous methods of escape, the man chooses self-preservation in an alternate “lifestyle” which speaks to his unwillingness to conform to societal norms. The man’s static nature is outlined by the lack of motivation to get out of the apartment, which also signifies his failure to gain insight of why he is unhappy in the real world. As the story progresses the main character is faced with a series of internal conflicts with society. When the locksmith proudly recites his position and protocol to the trapped man, he foolishly mocks him saying “you’re joking, of course”- one of his many failed interactions that represents the man’s clash