M & L Short Story

A plot, setting, or description are some parts of a story that can move a person. One of the most moving parts of a story are the characters and their emotions. A character allows a person I am character faces are relatable and the emotions heartfelt. A character’s actions can not only move a person, but they can also influence the actions of the reader. Personally, I am moved by compassion, fear, angst, and love. Miriam is a character that encompasses all of these traits. Miriam comes from the short story M&L, by Sarah Kokernot, was first published in West Branch and later in The Best American Short Stories in 2015. Miriam makes the story because of her fantasies, secrets, love, spirit, and forgiveness. Without Miriam, the story would be just …show more content…
Miriam was caged by the incident with Caleb and felt powerless. She felt unattractive as boys during high school would not look at her. Liam, however, shot glances at her and was still interested in her because of this Miriam had, "begun to remember what she used to feel like” (Kokernot151). Although she used Liam’s attention to start rebuilding herself, it is clear that Miriam does not need Liam’s help any longer. Miriam describes Liam as a, “skittish orange cat” (Kokernot 147). By describing Liam as being skittish, Miriam struck a chord with me because she shows how she has overcome the past and sees that she is in control and does not need protection from someone who is afraid. Not only that, but Miriam also shows how she has grown by not inflicting pain on herself after seeing Caleb she states that, “she was too old to do such a ridiculous adolescent thing” (Kokernot 151). Miriam shows growth and maturity, which connected me. I understood her struggle of trying to move away from her past and move forward in her life. I loved that she was striving to become not only a better person but a better …show more content…
Liam notices how Miriam dances sexually with him at the wedding. Then Miriam kicks off her shoes and walks into the woods as Liam follows her. This image connected me to Miriam’s spirit because she had a wild spirit. After reading the ending of Miriam’s story, I was reminded of the Tom Petty song “Wildflowers.” Specifically, the lyric, “you belong in a field of wildflowers, you belong somewhere you feel free” (“Wildflowers”). I think that this verse summarizes how Miriam is escaping her past and is beginning to feel as though she has control of her life and moving on. This ending made me feel the warmth in Meriam’s soul and respect how she has changed and is moving to a place where she feels free of her