Analysis Of Bonnie Jo Campbell's Shotgun Wedding

“Shotgun Wedding” is a short story by Bonnie Jo Campbell that explores some interesting themes through the eyes of a young woman at her sister’s wedding. Campbell grew up on a farm in Michigan. Her experience in such a setting is evident in the way that “Shotgun Wedding” takes place “in rural and small town Michigan” (Campbell). “Shotgun Wedding” follows a woman’s observation of her younger sister’s wedding, during which she has a flashback of a time when she protected her sister from a possible intruder. This story also explores family relationships and the touchy topic of gun control. The narrator compares and contrasts herself with her sister, and reflects over their relationship with their father. In addition, gun control is discussed in the context …show more content…
Through skillful use of setting, moral issues, and conflict, Campbell creates a fascinating story centered on familial ties and gun control.
Conflict and setting help to illustrate the interesting relationships between the father and the two sisters. The narrator has a special connection with her father, as he had taught her to shoot when she was only ten years old. This special yet slightly tough-natured relationship is reflected in the setting where the bulk of the story takes place: on the family farm. In addition, the father and narrator share the same independent attitude on the importance of self-defense, as he tells the narrator to be ready to “blow…away” any unwanted guests that may try to enter the house without her consent. The narrator nearly does this when a strange man is trying to enter into the family’s house. On the other hand, the father and sister have a different