Analysis Of The Glass Roses By Alden Nowlan

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Alden Nowlan's short story, The Glass Roses, creates a melancholy tone with a contemplative mood. The setting of a rural sawmill, the rough atmosphere of those that surround Stephen, and his inner conflicts play a significant role in creating such mood and tone. Nowlan paints a picture of their surroundings being "a maelstrom of darkness" (Nowlan 5) and speaks to how "the wind...was still raw enough to lacerate [his] temples" (Nowlan 2) emphasizing the unforgiving nature of their job. Such imagery could also be a reflection of Stephens's inner turmoil as he struggles to belong amongst the men and his world too is "a maelstrom of darkness" all of which contributes to the melancholy tone. Further, Stephen's struggle to belong and conform contributes