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Essay / "She Wasn't Soft": Literary Analysis
In "She Wasn't Soft", TC Boyle uses dynamic and static characterization in his depiction of an unhealthy relationship. Dynamic characters are characters who change throughout Throughout a story, the dynamic character in this story is Paula, while the static characters do not change, such as Jason and Paula have a relationship that contains neither mutual respect nor equality, and can sometimes be described as abusive. Say No to Plagiarism Essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get original essayJason, Paula's boyfriend, shows his lack of respect towards her by constantly ignoring her wishes and requests when she asked not to see him in the days before his race so he could focus and rest, Jason didn't listen He lied about it being her birthday so she would go out. with him “What upset her was that he had lied to her… It wasn’t her birthday at all. He had just said that to get her out because he was drunk and he didn't care if she had to compete the day after tomorrow and needed some rest and some peace and quiet and absolutely no stimulation. He was selfish, that was all, selfish and thoughtless” (Boyle, 27). When Paula expressed concern about being in the same restaurant as her opponent, Zinny Bauer, Jason pushed her away. He ignored her first requests to leave. They almost managed to escape unnoticed until Jason had the audacity to approach Zinny and start a fight with her boyfriend (Boyle, 29-30). Paula had explicitly stated that she did not want to see or speak to Zinny and that it was rude of her to ignore her wishes. Throughout the story, Jason's disrespectful behavior did not stop. He hasn't changed. He didn't treat his girlfriend any better. He didn't magically become a better person. Because he hasn't changed, Jason is a static character. There is a link between his static character and his borderline abusive relationship with Paula. If Jason truly cared about Paula, he would have made the effort to change and work on their relationship. The morning after making a scene at the Pasta Bowl, Jason apologized, saying, “'Listen Paula, I didn't mean for things to get out of hand,' he whispered, 'you have to believe me. I just didn't think you had to hide from anyone, that's all'” (Boyle, 30). It doesn't take a genius to know that he didn't mean it. What Jason did was not an act of remorse, it was a tactic used by abusers to convince their partners to stay with them. Boyle forces Jason to use abuse tactics common at various points in the story to make him seem like less of a thug, and Paula falls for his maneuvers. After the Pasta Bowl fight, Jason told her, “'Paula, I'm on your side, remember? I love what you do. I want to help you. ... And yes, I want to protect you too.'... 'I did it for you'” (Boyle, 31). He tries to justify his actions to stop her from being angry with him. It's hard to be mad at your partner when they're sitting there with puppy dog eyes and saying, "But baby, I was just trying to help." Jason also attempts to "help" Paula during the race by drugging her opponent, Zinny Bauer. He doesn't think Paula has a chance of beating Zinny. She needs him, if she depends on him, she won't leave him. However, when he sees that Paula is winning the race, Jason realizes that she doesn't need his help. “But then, without even thinking, he walked forward, right down the street, where she could see him, and handed her the cup. ...And he felt the briefest fleeting touch..