Summary Of T. Coraghessan Boyle's Birnam Wood
“Birnam Wood” by T. Coraghessan Boyle tells the story of young lovers living on the brink of nothing, trying to rekindle their once passionate relationship. While initially living in a small hut reflecting “a converted chicken coop”, the couple is evicted and they are forced to find a new home with what little income Keith makes while substitute teaching (156). Eventually the couple finds a housesitting gig for the duration of the winter. After briefly residing in the mansions apartment, Nora seeks employment as a hostess at a local bar. One evening Keith was waiting for Nora to get off work, Keith meets a gentleman, Steve, the two hit it off and engage in conversation over drinks. During their discussion, Keith points out his girlfriend, Nora,
to Steve and more or less tells him about issues that the two has in their relationship. Despite Steve’s apparent interest in Nora, Keith continues to imply that their relationship has lost its spark and the two exchanged phone numbers before departing the bar (164). Once the couple arrive to their home, Steve shows up at the doorstep and drunkenly insists on speaking to Nora. After Steve invites himself into the apartment, Keith leaves and realizes that the love he had was gone. Boyle suggests that removing yourself from a toxic relationship can allow one to discover their own flaws. The progression of a several seasons long relationship can expose personal flaws that are not immediately present in a short-term fling. The development of relationships over time can impact one’s personal wellbeing and impact the way people perceive life, by separating from an unhealthy relationship, one allows themselves to see the aspirations of their past that have been bogged down by the trials of an unsuccessful partnership. In “Birnam Wood” Keith blames his financial hardships on his partners lack of a job, however, once this initial issue is resolved he remains unsatisfied. It is not until after removing himself from the relationship that he can see the selfishness he expressed towards his partner.
to Steve and more or less tells him about issues that the two has in their relationship. Despite Steve’s apparent interest in Nora, Keith continues to imply that their relationship has lost its spark and the two exchanged phone numbers before departing the bar (164). Once the couple arrive to their home, Steve shows up at the doorstep and drunkenly insists on speaking to Nora. After Steve invites himself into the apartment, Keith leaves and realizes that the love he had was gone. Boyle suggests that removing yourself from a toxic relationship can allow one to discover their own flaws. The progression of a several seasons long relationship can expose personal flaws that are not immediately present in a short-term fling. The development of relationships over time can impact one’s personal wellbeing and impact the way people perceive life, by separating from an unhealthy relationship, one allows themselves to see the aspirations of their past that have been bogged down by the trials of an unsuccessful partnership. In “Birnam Wood” Keith blames his financial hardships on his partners lack of a job, however, once this initial issue is resolved he remains unsatisfied. It is not until after removing himself from the relationship that he can see the selfishness he expressed towards his partner.