An Analysis Of A Humb Mistake While Intoxication By Curtis Sittenfeld

“It’s difficult to remember that she’s not attracted to him.” But why does she have to remind herself that she is not attracted? Why not just say what she means? At first glimpse, Curtis Sittenfeld’s Gender Studies short story seems to portray a sexual encounter between a nearly forty year old Women and Gender Studies professor, Nell, and a twenty-seven year old shuttle driver, Luke. The story gives the impression of a naughty one-night stand. It is not outrageous for a one-night stand to appear in this twenty-first century Western culture story. But, it is Nell’s lack of emotional control and responsibility in the story that we scrutinize. Quickly, we could conclude: ‘Wow Nell made a dumb mistake while intoxicated’. Or think: ‘Nell was being floozy and desperate because she broke up with her boyfriend’. …show more content…
In fact, Nell’s “overblow emotions”, which ultimately terminate the affair, are from feeling “humiliation and betrayal”. She is taking her emotions out on Luke when, really, she intends them for her ex-boyfriend who “eloped with his graduate student”. Moreover, the “shame and desire” Nell feels when “[Luke’s] face [is] between her legs” comes from the thought that another man (Luke) is sexually pleasuring her; instead of her ex of “eleven years”. She does not intend on being floozy, merely, feels she is “absolved by the responsibility by extenuating circumstances.” In short, the Nell’s intentions of sincerity and fault are affected by her emotions (overblown emotions, shame and desire). This connection between emotions and intentions determines how the sexual encounter unfolds (and