Good People By David Foster Wallace Analysis

The fictional story, “Good People”, written by David Foster Wallace is about a young couple facing a life-altering decision. Wallace writes with significant and detailed focus on the two characters, Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri. Imagery is seen significantly through this story as reader can picture a number of scenes in their minds as they follow the story. Extended metaphor is seen in both the title of the story as well as a small amount within the body. The title itself is named “Good People” which triggers the question in the reader’s mind; “What is a good person?” Several factors play into the decision the characters struggle to make with faith being the most significant. Wallace uses empathy throughout passages in which reader cannot imagine what being in the character’s shoes. He wishes the reader to create a visual image in their mind to assist in the understanding and difficulty of this decision which Lane Dean Jr. and Sheri are facing. Through setting, imagery, and character traits readers are able to gain empathy for …show more content…
Wallace writes, “The girl wore a thin old checked cotton shirt with pearl-colored snaps with the long sleeves down and always smelled very good and clean, like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love.” (Wallace150) Here Wallace describes a beautiful and young lady. He uses the phrase “like someone you could trust and care about even if you weren’t in love” (Wallace150) to more deeply emphasize on Lane Dean’s mixed feelings towards Sheri. Sheri is seen as a young lady which while she is facing a difficult decision, it is proposed she is angel-like and easy to love; the type of person anyone likes to be around. Imagery is seen by reader in the description of Sheri because it creates an image in reader’s mind of a young lady seemingly peaceful sitting upon the picnic table, resembling a person of which someone passing by may look upon as a “good