Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist once said, “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too” However, in the short story, The Luckiest Girl by Cynthia Benjamin, the antagonist David Allen does not aspire to better himself or others, rather he desires authority. In consequence, he cements himself as a manipulator, through emotional, social, and physical abuse towards his girlfriend, Anita Wade.
During the short story, David Allen exploits Anita’s emotions with the intent of controlling her. Firstly, after a party where David creates a violent scene, he attributes his actions to his mother. Explaining, how she “[left] him and his father after a [little …show more content…
During his first meeting with Anita’s parents, he portrays himself with an excellent image. Her dad mentions his “[politeness] and [matureness]” (September 11). Here, he gains their trust and acceptance. When the abuse starts, her parent’s positive image of him, prevents them from noticing the clear signs of abuse. Furthermore, when David brings Anita to a senior gathering cafe, she notices her boyfriend as the most popular and attractive person there. She boasts how other girls appears to be “jealous” (September 14). Where in fact, David set the situation, in-order to gather resentment towards her. Therefore, no one is willing to explain his abusive tendencies beforehand. Additionally, during a party he harasses her, exclaiming at how “[he] can see through her blouse” (September 18). Anita feels “[shock] and [embarrassment]” (September 18). Here, his motive is to destroy Anita’s social image of herself. Under these terrible circumstances, Anita’s confidence dwindles and she starts fearing that,“[David] [is] the only one willing to go out with [her]” (October 13). Not to mention, throughout the story he prevents Anita from walking to and from school with her friends, by restricting her transportation to his car. So much so, Anita starts losing her already small social group. Consequently, his actions alienates her from better options, and forces Anita to rely on him
During the short story, David Allen exploits Anita’s emotions with the intent of controlling her. Firstly, after a party where David creates a violent scene, he attributes his actions to his mother. Explaining, how she “[left] him and his father after a [little …show more content…
During his first meeting with Anita’s parents, he portrays himself with an excellent image. Her dad mentions his “[politeness] and [matureness]” (September 11). Here, he gains their trust and acceptance. When the abuse starts, her parent’s positive image of him, prevents them from noticing the clear signs of abuse. Furthermore, when David brings Anita to a senior gathering cafe, she notices her boyfriend as the most popular and attractive person there. She boasts how other girls appears to be “jealous” (September 14). Where in fact, David set the situation, in-order to gather resentment towards her. Therefore, no one is willing to explain his abusive tendencies beforehand. Additionally, during a party he harasses her, exclaiming at how “[he] can see through her blouse” (September 18). Anita feels “[shock] and [embarrassment]” (September 18). Here, his motive is to destroy Anita’s social image of herself. Under these terrible circumstances, Anita’s confidence dwindles and she starts fearing that,“[David] [is] the only one willing to go out with [her]” (October 13). Not to mention, throughout the story he prevents Anita from walking to and from school with her friends, by restricting her transportation to his car. So much so, Anita starts losing her already small social group. Consequently, his actions alienates her from better options, and forces Anita to rely on him