The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories Chapter Summary & Analysis - Rock Springs by Richard Ford Summary

Rock Springs by Richard Ford Summary

Rock Springs is the story of Earl, the narrator, Edna, his girlfriend, and Cheryl, his daughter by another woman. Edna and Earl steal a Mercedes from an ophthalmologist and try to make it out of the state, because Earl's written some bad checks and has to escape from the police. However, the car breaks down outside of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and Earl walks over to a trailer park settlement, where he calls for a taxi. They leave the car and the three go to a Ramada Inn overnight. Edna says that she will leave him in the morning, but for the night, they are together. At the end of the story, Earl considers stealing a Pontiac from the parking lot.

Rock Springs by Richard Ford Analysis

Rock Springs puts everyday, understandable characters in an unusual situation. Earl is trying to break free of the societal constraints that bind him and...
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