T. Coraghessan Boyle's Birnam Wood

“Birnam Wood” by T. Coraghessan Boyle is a story focused on the relationship between two young lovers, Keith and Nora, at their second attempt of love. After begging Nora thorough a “steady stream of wheedling letters,” the two got back together and Norma move in with him into a rundown shack for the summer. (156) The two reignited their relationship through their summer romance where they happily enjoyed life. However, with the season changes, their romance followed. Keith was a substitute teacher while Nora didn’t work although she had a degree which meant the harsh weather that came with September felt harsh. The two soon received an eviction notice after the landlord let himself in and walked into Nora laying down in bed. The struggle of finding a new home that was within their budget was an issue since Keith was the only one with a steady income. Luckily, Keith’s best friend inform the two about an opportunity that would be a temporary fix to their problem. Thus, the two moved to Birnam Wood after meeting the owners Things

There’s a transition from the “liking” stage, where minor sacrifices are tolerable so long as they don’t affect the individual's everyday life. To the “loving” stage, where many sacrifices will affect the individual’s everyday life and lifestyle. In the story, “Birnam Wood,” Keith’s relationship with nora had progressed physically since the two lived together and had relations. However, Keith still thought about losing his freedom of being tied down. It wasn’t until he witnessed another couple on the other side of the lake in an “ordinary room” that he realized the true value in his love for Nora. (167) The couple that Keith was looking at did nothing out of the ordinary, they didn’t even display any signs of affection, however the simplicity displayed the chemistry of their