A Response to Good People by David Foster Wallace

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A Response to “Good People”

The thought of good people brings warmth and joy to my heart. On a daily basis I would like to think that most, if not all, of the people we surround ourselves with strive to be good people. My initial thought that came to mind before I began to read David Foster Wallace’s “Good People” was that this would be a story about all the people around each other doing good for one another bringing happiness to me as a reader. The story took a huge turn as it did not talk about the good of the people, but the expectations and judgments we hold for others to be good people. My eyes and my heart opened up, as Wallace’s story unfolded, in which he used a controversial issue to make a point by tugging at the emotions of the reader. I now know that this story was not to make a statement about a very controversial issue, but to make us realize that being a good person doesn’t always mean we have to follow by the expectations or rules that have been set for us, but by being who we truly are and having an understanding for one another.
The plot of this story revolves around a decision that two characters, Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri, are forced to make. Lane and Sheri are both Christians who are not an official couple, but clearly haves feeling for each other, sitting in a park bench analyzing the choices they must make. Sheri “ was serious in her faith and values” (Wallace 217) and already has a stereotype towards her on how she must be a good person. Sheri and Lane although not a couple or married, become pregnant. With Sheri being very smart and serious about school abortion is the decision she is leaning towards with an appointment already set. As Lane and Sheri sit at the “ picnic table at the park by the lake”...

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After reading this story I was really pleased by the overall message that was sent so indirectly. I enjoyed reading a story that was relatable to the very life that’s going on around me. My eyes were opened by the fact that there are really so many rules and expectations that people have to follow to be considered a good person. “ Good Person” has really made me think about all the people in the world that in many peoples eyes wouldn’t be classified as “good”, and made me want to find the good in them. Wallace was able to send such a strong message by telling a serious and emotional story of a young couple using controversial and commonly seen issues in today’s world. This story really interested me and will be in my mind forever, being that I feel so strongly about seeing the good in people, and because the topic Wallace choose is one that I am passionate about.

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