A Secret Sorrowful Woman Analysis
The True Meaning of Literature Finding the definition of a word is very simple. Typically, it would be beneficial to pull out a dictionary and find the textbook definition. This is not the case for the word literature. Although it can be found, pinpointing a concrete definition is nearly impossible. But, one characteristic that literature must have is the ability to stand the tests of time. When examining A Secret Sorrow by Karen Van der Zee and A Sorrowful Woman by Gail Godwin, it is easy to conclude that the latter is a true piece of literature. This can be seen by comparing the characters, symbolism, and plotline of both stories. Creating complex and unique characters is the author's chance to bring to life a worthy piece of literature.
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Following the plotline for each of the stories from beginning to end may be the best indicator of which piece truly fits the definition of literature. From the very first word to the last one written, A Secret Sorrow follows the traditional romance plotline. Faye and Kai are in love, but Faye has a secret that she fears may end the relationship. Once she reveals the secret, she flees thinking that Kai has lost his love for her. Kai goes after her and reassures her that their love will never die. In the end, they live happily ever after. In the final sentences, the story says, “Life was good and filled with love” (Van der Zee 37). Almost every other book that is picked up contains the exact same plotline and ending. Since this story is so predictable, it has no chance of retaining its relevance. A Sorrowful Woman begins with an unexpected epigraph that sets it apart from the rest. It says, “Once upon a time there was a wife and a mother one too many times” (Godwin 38). The woman is married with a child and slowly begins to withdraw from them, becoming more secluded. Eventually, she sees what it is like to be single with no children by watching the babysitter. Because of this, she desperately tries to become a person she knows she can never be. It does not end with a happily ever after, but instead with her death. The twists and turns of the plotline leads to a notable story, as opposed to the story created by Van der
Following the plotline for each of the stories from beginning to end may be the best indicator of which piece truly fits the definition of literature. From the very first word to the last one written, A Secret Sorrow follows the traditional romance plotline. Faye and Kai are in love, but Faye has a secret that she fears may end the relationship. Once she reveals the secret, she flees thinking that Kai has lost his love for her. Kai goes after her and reassures her that their love will never die. In the end, they live happily ever after. In the final sentences, the story says, “Life was good and filled with love” (Van der Zee 37). Almost every other book that is picked up contains the exact same plotline and ending. Since this story is so predictable, it has no chance of retaining its relevance. A Sorrowful Woman begins with an unexpected epigraph that sets it apart from the rest. It says, “Once upon a time there was a wife and a mother one too many times” (Godwin 38). The woman is married with a child and slowly begins to withdraw from them, becoming more secluded. Eventually, she sees what it is like to be single with no children by watching the babysitter. Because of this, she desperately tries to become a person she knows she can never be. It does not end with a happily ever after, but instead with her death. The twists and turns of the plotline leads to a notable story, as opposed to the story created by Van der