The Standard of Living

The Standard of Living

Written by Dorothy Parker, this story is about the two working girls. By just roughly reading it, readers may say that the story is primarily meant to entertain. This contention, however, will be proven false if the readers will analyze the story and see it in a larger perspective.

In this story, Parker can be noted on her impressive way of describing. The first paragraph shows a vivid image of foods painted through words. Beyond that, this can be noted on how the author use words to portray clear character sketches of Annabel and Midge –the focus of the story. The game was also clearly described. Aside from that, the character’s friendship was also finely described by the story. A line in paragraph 4 says, “Constant use had not worn ragged the fabric of their friendship”.

The story talks about the two working fashionable girls who take pleasure in playing a game by asking the question what-would-you-do-if-you-had-a-million-dollars? This question comes with a condition that they would spend the money only for themselves.

It is clear that the idea of materialism and self-indulgence was presented in this story. This may only prove that these concepts were already existing even before we have felt it today. Though the story was written in early 90’s, the story’s themes remain to be true in our time today.

It is interesting to note, how the character consistently stayed hopeful and positive even up to the end of the story.

As narrated by a nameless narrator primarily because the author employed the third person point of view, this story can be a good example for aspiring writers as to how a setting would affect a certain story. As you look at it, the story’s setting was purposefully employed. In this story, the girls were noted enjoying “Fifth Avenue”. The setting which also suggests class has created an atmosphere filled with glitz and glamour. It seems that the characters’ appearance and behavior has been influenced by its setting.

This situation illuminates the concept of social class. Real pearls can symbolize confidence and a superior social class. The make-ups and the coats may symbolize things to put or wear on for the purpose of covering something.

In a limited extent this story has employed figurative language. To quote a simile from the story, a line in paragraph 5 says, “…they held their heads higher and set their feet with exquisite precision, as if they stepped over the necks of peasants.”

The plot of this story is presented in an entertaining and light way. I consider this story brief and simple with a not-so-strong conflict.



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism