55 miles to the gas pump

Running head: THEMES 1

Surname 1

Sami Rashed

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Essay 1

Ease into this. Add a first paragraph overview, and save the second one for themes.

In my opinion, destruction and violence are common in “55 Miles to the Gas Pump.” They are noticeable from major events like the Rancher Croom’s suicide to the atmospheric details, such as the destruction of the associated splintery boards.

Proulx, throughout the story, associates violence with pleasure as opposed to horror or pain. The way she describes the murder victims of Rancher Croom is exceptionally sensual. Also, Rancher Croom's suicide sounds more than joyful, and the final line of the story indicates that violence is a kind of fun. In addition, the evocative descriptions of Proulx have guided our attention to enjoying the dark actions of the plot, such as assassination, necrophilia, and suicide, which portrays the pleasure taken by Croom’s in violence.

Proulx suggests that all people possess the latent capacity of taking pleasure in things that they find morally horrific. Remarkably, in the story’s first paragraph, Proulx reveals Rancher Croom one of the serial suicidal killers in joyful terms (Dowling 56). For instance, the second paragraph of the story also blends pleasure and violence more explicitly, both through Rancher Croom’s necrophilia revelation. It is clear that Croom has been abusing the body for years, which has frustrated and contributed to violent incidents in the city. The theme of violence is significant in the story, and most of the actions seen by the characters reveal unconditioned maneuverings and distinctions.

What is the connection between the story and my life? I think that life is a journey full of experiences and conflicts that require explicit focus and attention to major events. Therefore, the violence and destruction depiction in the story “55 Miles to the Gas Pump” is a clear representing of a new future and reflecting on a person's life. I have had several instances of violence in the past. During my childhood life, my friend used to cause conflicts with his family. The actions made got me worried about the possible outcome. Through the actions, I learned more about the importance of peace. Therefore, the incidences and conflicts seen in the story are a revelation of my past experiences.

As the story comes to an end, the author maintains that the common experiences among people are a clear indication that violence may stop a person from getting the peace he or she needs. Add more here. Tie it back to your first paragraph.

Works Cited

Dowling, Robert M. "Proulx, Annie." Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature. 2017. (Add publisher.)