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Intrusive Thoughts In Andre Dubus 'The Intruder'

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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word intrude is defined as “to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome.” While the word intrude is often used as a verb to refer to a person’s action, it can also be used in a similar fashion to describe a thought. This usage is what is known as an “intrusive thought.” Intrusive thoughts can be embarrassing, frightening, violent, or sexual in nature. Intrusive thoughts are simply imagined scenarios with a large range in the way they present themselves to a person. In the context of “The Intruder,” the titular “intruder” is not only the mysterious figure who attempts to enter the house at the end of the story. The title of Andre Dubus’ “The Intruder” refers to Kenneth’s repeated and sometimes unwanted thoughts and fantasies that unfold throughout the short story. Throughout the story, the main character–Kenneth, an insecure 13-year old …show more content…

For example, on the first page, the speaker describes how “...[Kenneth] had ridden into town…and an hour later had ridden away with four fresh notches on the butt of his six gun…” Within this brief fantasy, Kenneth presents himself as an outlaw, going into some town and killing four people. This attack is revealed through the “notches on the butt

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Andre Dubus, short stories contain a common theme of revenge, morality, and justice. In “Killings” published in 1979, Andre displays the theme of revenge and justice through the development of characters, the title of the story, and the thrill of the suspense. Dubus neglects to take sides with the characters in the “Killings”, which leaves it upon the readers to make assumption whether the killings were justifiable. Dubus has a very unique style of writing, the main characters in “Killings” were given a choice that could’ve led them to a completely different outcome. Dubus keeps the readers on their toes because the opposite usually ends up happening.

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