I really mean it, Peter, I did it for love.
-- Anna (The Pale Pink Roast)

Importance: In "The Pale Pink Roast," Anna's ex, Peter, is convinced he has the sexual power. However, shortly after they sleep together in Anna's new home, Anna reveals that she has remarried. Peter is irate until Anna gives him the above reason for agreeing to sex. This moment illustrates Anna's sexual confidence and unabashed regard for sex. Like many of Paley's female characters in the collection, Anna has control over her body, and uses it how and with whom she wishes.

All that is really necessary for survival of the fittest, it seems, is an interest in life, good, bad, or peculiar.
-- Narrator (An Interest in Life)

Importance: In "An Interest in Life," after Virginia's emotionally abusive husband leaves her, she starts a complex relationship with her neighbor's son, John. At times she grows discouraged with the affair. However she does not rely upon John to save...