Comparing Death In Louise Erdrich's The Flower And George Saunders

Louise Erdrich’s “The Flower” and George Saunders’ the “Tenth of December” are two of the most acclaimed short stories of the early 21st century. Both stories narrate a unique tale while examining a topic that has fascinated all of humanity throughout time: death. In the “Tenth of December,” Don Eber, a protagonist of the story, faces death in two forms: his stepfather’s passing and his personal pursuit of death. Likewise, Mink’s daughter and Wolfred in “The Flower” confront death with the parting of Mink and Mackinnon. Coupled together, the two narratives examine the concept of mortality, in addition to revealing its long-term consequences on the characters and the plot of each story. In fact, the two stories lead one to believe that the theme …show more content…
Allen was Eber’s stepfather and initially was the “kindest man ever;” however, “once the suffering began, Allen had raged” towards his loved ones (Saunders 223). Allen struggles with his terminal illness for a while, emotionally harming Eber and his mother as a “diminished pale figure in a bed, shouting CUNT” (Saunders 224). Allen eventually dies, but his death is a reminder to Eber of the villainous disease that transformed Allen to “THAT,” as Eber referred to him. Eber contracts cancer similarly and is reminded of Allen’s illness; thus, he is intent on committing suicide to save his family the pain of watching his condition worsen. After witnessing Allen’s death and his degradation as a human, Eber became more empathetic as “he was a father [who could] ease the burdens of those he loves” (Saunders 224). Reminded of Allen in a such a horrific state, Eber wanted to “save the ones he loves from painful last images that endure for a lifetime” (Saunders 225). Allen’s death affected Eber in such a way that it made him more empathetic towards his loved ones, which is another example of how the theme of death was essential for Eber’s emotional