Is Kelly's Death In Joyce Carol Oates 'Black Water To The Kellys'

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Joyce Carol Oates dedicates her novel Black Water to “the Kellys” because the story is meant to display the archetype of young women whose trust is violated by older men. Oates’s goal is to pin the blame on the men whose actions are destructive to the lives of innocent, young, and independent women. The problem, however, is Kelly bears some responsibility in her death. Kelly is introduced as a smart and independent young lady who falls prey to the temptations of alcohol and a suave Senator who has but one thing on his mind. Throughout the novel Kelly relinquishes more and more of her independence to the Senator’s will therefore giving up her innocence in the situation. Kelly’s freedom of choice results in her ultimate demise. Because