Sauer is a professor of English at Eastern College in Philadelphia. In the following essay, he discusses the major themes of Gilchrist's story.
Ellen Gilchrist has developed her engaging voice as a writer by using a low-keyed, half-humorous, amoral tone. Her stark, down-home style holds our interest. In "Victory Over Japan" we are carried along not by expansive epic, but by straight storytelling, a bit of wit, and eye-opening concluding images.
Gilchrist's humor can be sarcastic, as it is when Rhoda's teacher thanks her for "comforting" Billy Monday, whom Rhoda has reduced to tears; or satirical in its implication of adult hypocrisy, as instanced when Rhoda's mom prepares for a "visit" from the Episcopal priest. Our mind's eye is drawn to her mother's legs as she applies liquid hose, our suspicions confirmed by the off-hand childish.....
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