Compare or Contrast
The short stories, “A&P” by John Updike and “Greasy Lake” by T.C Boyle share a similar tone and style. Both stories feature young protagonists who are navigating their late teen years and feeling lost. In “A&P,” the main character seeks to impress two teenage girls by standing up against his boss, while in “Greasy Lake,” the main character rebels against society by engaging in reckless behavior, such as drinking. Both protagonists exhibit a similar impulsive nature when making life-altering choices.
The story of The Greasy Lake takes place in a small town where three young boys, who see themselves as “bad,” reside. As they stroll and chat about their mischievous actions, the tone of the story is set. Nonetheless, it is the actual setting that reveals the intricate attributes of the tale. The events within this brief narrative occur at dusk, in an ancient and marshy lake called Greasy Lake by the local youngsters. The inclusion of alcohol, adolescents, and risky behavior adds to the overall depiction of a perilous environment throughout the story.
The three young boys arrive at the lake after having already consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. They encounter someone they believe to be one of their friends and start throwing bottles and shouting at their supposed friend’s car. However, they soon realize that the car is not their friend’s and that it is in motion. They rush to the car to confront an enraged older man who is ready to fight. The three boys engage in a physical altercation with the man, using tire irons, while the man’s girlfriend attempts to intervene and stop the fight. After inflicting severe harm on the man in the dark, drunken swamp, the boys then express their desire to sexually assault the man’s girlfriend. At this peak moment of their night, another car arrives and pulls the three boys away from the girlfriend, defending her. Each boy is beaten and cast into the swamp itself, which bears the name Gray Lake for a particular reason.
In the early morning, three young boys assemble and hop into their car as the sun begins to rise. At that moment, two young girls approach them, seeking a good time and inviting them to party. Despite having experienced an incredible night, the boys make a quick decision to reject these older women. They now feel empowered and prepared to move on from the rest of their experiences.
