ENG 102-E003

Wanda Fries

2/23/05

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Victims of circumstance, or just unruly adolescents? Or maybe a little bit of both? The young men in T. Coraghessan Boyle's short story "Greasy Lake" were out looking for a good time, but in the end received much more than they bargained for--a near murder, attempted rape, and stumbling across a decaying corpse; just to name a few of their encounters. When taking into consideration all the components which made up the situations, it is easy to understand the peril the boys come across that night. Their lack of responsibility, surroundings, and desires all play a major part in their misadventure.

These three young men lacked responsibility and wise decision-making qualities. Granted, they are only nineteen, but that is part of being young; making bad choices and learning from them along the way. In the story it is...