Curly Red by Joyce Carol Oats

Jyot Sandhu

April 30, 2018

A RIGHTEOUS DEED, INDEED!

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” In the short story “Curly Red” by Joyce Carol Oats, Lili Rose, the protagonist is exasperated emotionally and she blurts out the truth of the evil act of her brothers. Lili’s action of unveiling the reality is completely justified. Firstly, her brothers had crossed the limits of humanity and committed a crime the second time. They attacked Jadro Filer ruthlessly and “left [him] unconscious by the side of [the] Route,” who died in a critical condition. Their previous crime of molesting the mentally challenged girl, Liza Deaver, was reprehensible. Secondly, Lili Rose is emotionally traumatized by realizing that her brothers had committed the sin. Caught in the dichotomy between dual realities, she cannot keep the information within her. Her efforts to stay quiet make her “cry easily.” Therefore, she is relieved by disclosing the truth. Finally, there was not a mark of regret amongst the boys for their brutal deed. For the first crime they blame Liza instead, “it was Liza’s idea.” The second time, they were rather happy to teach a “nigger” a lesson. Moreover, their cruel act was defended overtly by their father. In conclusion, it is just on Lili’s part to respond truly to the call of the situation. This ruins her life as she fights abandonment, and struggles with two broken marriages. Despite being devastated, she claims that she would do this again as this was her “truest nature.”