David Foster Wallace

Overview

"Good People" by David Foster Wallace is a short story published in the collection Girl with Curious Hair. Wallace is known for his exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexity of relationships. In this particular story, he delves into the minds of Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri Fisher, a couple facing a life-altering decision. The story takes place in a religiously conservative Midwestern town and explores themes of moral responsibility, cognitive dissonance, and the difficulty of making choices.

Key Points / Ideas

1. The internal struggle between moral responsibility and personal desires: Wallace highlights the internal turmoil faced by Lane and Sheri as they grapple with the decision of whether or not to terminate an unplanned pregnancy. The couple is caught between societal expectations, religious beliefs, and their own desires for a different future.

2. The complexity of decision-making: Wallace explores the intricacies of decision-making by diving into Lane's thought process. He presents Lane's internal dialogue, showcasing the conflicting thoughts and emotions that arise as Lane tries to navigate the difficult choice before him.

3. Cognitive dissonance and the struggle for self-justification: The story delves into the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance, as Lane attempts to reconcile his actions with his moral beliefs. Wallace portrays Lane's internal struggle to find justifications for his choice, highlighting the human tendency to rationalize decisions that challenge our deeply held beliefs.

Throughout the story, Wallace weaves in various examples and supporting evidence to strengthen his arguments:

A. Sheri's personal story: Wallace presents Sheri's background as a pivotal piece of evidence. Sheri recounts her difficult childhood and the abuse she suffered, leading readers to sympathize with her plight and understand her desire for a different future.

B. Lane's internal conflicts: Wallace uses Lane's internal thoughts and emotions to provide insight into the struggles he faces. Lane grapples with guilt, shame, and a sense of duty, all of which contribute to his complex decision-making process.

C. Religious and societal expectations: The story explores the influence of religious and societal beliefs on individual decision-making. Lane and Sheri come from a conservative town where expectations are high, making the decision even more challenging for them.

Conclusion

Through "Good People," David Foster Wallace delves into the complexities of morality, decision-making, and the internal struggles faced by individuals in difficult situations. By presenting Lane and Sheri's story, he challenges readers to consider the interplay between personal desires, societal expectations, and moral responsibility. The story serves as a reminder of the complexity and nuance involved in making choices that align with our values.

For a more in-depth exploration of similar themes, readers may consider Wallace's other works, such as Infinite Jest or his famous graduation speech, "This Is Water." Additionally, books like The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky also delve into the moral and psychological dimensions of decision-making.