The Painted Door

I am now doing a short story project in my reading class, and I chose to present about this interesting story written by Sinclair Ross, a fairly-known Canadian writer. It is not a very short story since it is seven pages long with little space between the lines and its letters are very small too. However, the length couldn't deter me from choosing it; it was that intriguing story for me. I wanted to share this story with my writing class as well. (Guys who are in my reading class don't need to worry because we are in different group so that Momoko and Cheiu also don't have opportunity to get to know this story!)

The story probably takes place in Saskatchewan, famously known as Canadian prairies. A married couple Ann and John live there as farmers, where the nearest neighboring is 5 miles away. It is one day when there are some signs of snow storm coming up, and John insists to go see his father and help him with chores despite the objection of Ann. He leaves house promising that he will drop by Steven's house and ask him to come over since Ann will be lonely, and also to come back that day however severe the storm would be. Ann feels very lonely and bored about her marriage life because of the lack of communication; John works twenty four seven, and thinks that sacrificing himself to buy Ann pretty clothes is his duty, while Ann needs a husband to talk and love with. She keeps herself busy by painting their bedroom door trying not to think about her rebellious feeling of the marriage. Then, when the horrific blizzard started, Steven arrived. She kept saying that John will be back even during this terrifying storm, but she could not help sleeping with  John. However, she discerns that John is the one she loves after committing adultery. Next day, John's frozen-to-death body is found less than a mile away from his house. She gasps when she founds a smear of paint in his palms. (Remember she painted the bed room door? John succeeded in coming back to home in the deadly storm, and finds about her adultery so chooses to die than to confront her.)

How great a story is this? I felt some kind of shudder at the ending of the story. I love stories of great irony such as "The necklace" or "Christmas present". No wonder I chose this story despite the long length and difficult vocabularies! :) I really enjoyed searching more deep sub-meanings and skills that the author used to make the story more firmer. I recommend you to read the story since it works as a good material to study english as well.