The Inevitable In The Shining Houses, By Alice Munro

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In the short story, “The Shining Houses “ the author Alice Munro, suggests that change may be inevitable. The main conflict is between the older generation, Mrs. Fullerton and the newer generation, the residents of Garden Place. The older generation has to adapt to change and towards a modern society. Conflict can be avoided if Mrs. Fullerton agrees to have her house demolished. However, because of the sentimental value her households, she is firm against change. Mrs. Fullerton is the oldest living member of the newly growing community, Garden Place. Her fifty-year-old house is being threatened by a petition set up by the neighbors. The neighbors believe Mrs.Fullerton is preventing the modernization of the community. The newer generation is determined to have her house demolished. The newer generation recognizes that because of her house it brings down the real estate value of their homes and decide it would be preferable for the community for the house to be destroyed for the betterment of the community. They believe she hinders the prosperity and cleanliness of the new community. …show more content…

Fullerton. As Mary is being taken on a role by Edith and Carl who agree with tearing down the old woman's house and act as the antagonists of the story, Mary embarks on a role that when faced with a difficult decision that she should either chose her own conscience or have the same decision as her community. In order to convince Mrs. Fullerton of tearing down her house, her family and friends peer-pressure and try to get Mary to sign the

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