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Greasy Lake Essay

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Greasy Lake Essay
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Steven Nguyen * -------------------------------------------------

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English 67 * -------------------------------------------------
September 3, 2012 * -------------------------------------------------

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T.C. Boyle: Greasy Lake * -------------------------------------------------

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In “Greasy Lake”, by T.C. Boyle, he tells us of the transformation of boys to men because of the boys rebellious nature and their temptations. Being in a secluded area, they lose control of their id. The boys let their id take over their ego’s which unleashed their primal instincts. When they realize their adolescent actions, they become frightened, and go back to constructive society. Boyle uses the boys as a symbol of a false image. * -------------------------------------------------

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The boys think highly of themselves being the toughest boys around. The narrator was in the company of two dangerous characters, Digby and Jeff. Boyle’s statement “Digby wore a gold star in his right ear” shows us a rebellious young man but then states “and allowed his father to pay his tuition at Cornell” shows us he isn’t as bad as he thinks he is. Jeff is thinking of quitting school to become a painter/musician/head shop proprietor. “ In short, they were bad”. * -------------------------------------------------

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With the absence of adults, the 19 year old boys sought a night of adventure. “We went up to the lake because everyone went there, because we wanted to snuff the rich scent of possibility on the breeze, watch a girl take off her clothes and plunge into the festering murk, drink
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