Summary

While a young boy is receiving a bowl cut in the kitchen from his mother, his twin brother hides in the pantry, where the main boy can see him, and begins mimicking the facial expressions the boy makes, to the boy's great distress. Eventually the boy sits there with a "blank slack" look (321).

Analysis

Wallace concludes this short story collection with what is effectively a meditation on self-consciousness: all that is distressing the boy is seeing his own emotions reflected back at him.

Discussion Question 1

What is the main theme that connects this story with "Yet Another Example...(XI)" (35-36)?

Discussion Question 2

What is the stylistic effect of Wallace describing the busy, hot kitchen where the haircut is taking place?

Discussion Question 3

What is the impact of Wallace making this the final story in the...