Revealing The Truth In Eric Wright's Short Story 'Twins'

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Adriana Franco Mrs. Belina ENG3U1–7 2 April 2023 Two Truths and the Lie Everyone has told a lie before. Whether it be big or small everyone is guilty of being deceptive at least once in their life. Chances are, it ended poorly too. It could be one’s mom finding out they lied about finishing homework, or a sister finding out they lied about taking a shirt. Eric Wright’s short story “Twins” explores the outcomes of revealing the truth in a deceptive relationship. Eric Wright uses the number two in objects throughout the story to reveal the truth. The author uses the number two in concepts to reveal the truth as well. Throughout Eric Wright’s short story “Twins” he uses a symbolic motif to reveal the truth in a deceptive relationship. Eric Wright …show more content…

The author uses the number two to reveal the truth to the wife. Mrs. Coates shares what led her to come across her husband’s true plot: “if she had not come across his fishing tackle box with the loaded gun… while she was searching for a pair of pliers, she would never have wondered what he was up to” (Wright 5). Eric Wright specifically uses the pair of pliers to reveal the truth about her husband’s deception to Mrs. Coates. By doing so, the number two takes on the symbolic meaning of the truth throughout the whole story. Without the need for the pliers, she would have never discovered the sad truth about their trip to Sudbury; where she would have ultimately met the fate her husband had planned for her. Furthermore, Eric Wright also uses the number two symbolically to reveal the truth about the couple’s …show more content…

Eric Wright uses two types of disguises, the novel plot, and the clothing, to reveal the truth about Mr. Coates’ plan to the reader. Harry Coates explains to his wife how the villain in his novel would disguise himself to get away with the murder: “’He doesn’t actually have to change much: just put on a blond wig, lipstick, and glasses.’ He looked down at himself to show what he meant. Both of them were dressed in sneakers, blue jeans, and heavy bush jackets” (Wright 2). By the use of both types of disguises in a single phrase Eric Wright is heavily revealing the true plan to the reader. Mr. Coates’ seemingly innocent explanation of the plot turns sinister once he compares his wife and him to the characters of his story. The reader is easily able to identify the use of the symbolic motif and unveil the truth. The reader now knows Mr. Coates never really brought his wife here to walk the course of his novel, but to ultimately dispose of his wife. Additionally, Eric Wright uses the number two to reveal Mr. Coates’ true motive. Whilst his wife is questioning his plot at the mine shaft, he calmly reveals his villain’s reason: “another woman I guess” (Wright 3). Mr. Coates clarifying why the villain in his novel would want to kill his wife reveals his true motive as well. The use of two lovers as his reason is a clear confession as to why he is planning on killing her. Eric Wright’s use