WHAT I READ WEDNESDAY: "Tick" by Joyce Carol Oates

"Tick" by Joyce Carol Oates is the shortest short story I've read for the What I Read Wednesday series. However, that in no way means it lacks in complexity.  Oates' nameless, female protagonist is presented to us shortly after her husband has walked out on her.  She has been without him for several days when he calls.  "And when he did call she told him quickly, I'm happy here alone--I've gotten through the worst of it.  Don't spoil my happiness again."

Though the statement appears to be one of strength and independence, we learn, through Oates' further description of our main character that her husband's absence has crippled her in a way and started eating away at her normal life.  The way in which Oates shows this is cleverly disguised as an ode to the protagonist's ability to bounce back from the separation so quickly.

The author glosses over the fact that "Since her husband moved out...it is possible for her to go for days without seeing anyone", to focus on how well she continues to groom herself and keep herself up.  This description occurs when the protagonist has just discovered a tick burrowing itself into her scalp.  I believe the placement of these items is to directly illustrate the main characters' uncanny ability to be a host to a parasite.  First her husband, who ate away at her sense of self so much that she doesn't know how to function in the outside world. Then, this tick which has snuck onto and into her body without her knowledge, only to take her sense of independence along with some of her blood.  

Joyce Carol Oates is using "Tick" to teach us all an invaluable lesson about the possible toxicity of romantic relationships.  Things could get ugly if we allow someone to take and take. What will remain once they're gone?  She is also teaching that regardless of how little of ourselves we think we have left, we are, and will always be complete. 

Click here if you're interested in learning more about Joyce Carol Oates.  Also you can purchase The Assignation , read "Tick" for yourself, and let me know what you think.

Love & Water,

~Sondria!