Character analysis of Prue in Alice Munro's fiction

¶ … Prue" Alice Munro. 750-1000 words. personality traits characters motivation. kind character Prue, weak, strong, determined, optimistic, arrogant, afraid, timid, shy. Is character dynamic, static, protagonist, antagonist epiphany.

Alice Munro's short story "Prue" puts across an account in the life of a middle-aged woman as she struggles to make it through her late forties on her own. The story's protagonist is apparently capable to understand the importance of youth and feels that it is not abnormal for her to be denied matters that are typically available to young people. Prue accepts her faith but considers that her condition is not critical, as she believes that she is entitled to fight for her well-being. Her relationship with Gordon, "a helpless, baffled soul, squirming around inside his doughty forties" (Munro, p. 132) is essential in having readers understand more in regard to Prue. It is obvious that their connection is principally based on the fact that they comprehend each-other and that it is not necessarily fueled by love. Prue has been subjected to many adversities throughout her life and her approach to surviving with her suffering was to ignore it altogether.

It is difficult to determine whether Prue looks for love in Gordon or if she is simply interested in being supported by him because she cannot live knowing that she is close to being fifty years old and lonely. It is most certainly that she is not interested in finding financial support in Gordon, as she had worked for most of her life, first as a hostess in a dining room in British Colombia and presently as a clerk in Toronto. The young woman visiting Gordon practically contrasts Prue, as she appears to be determined to stay at Gordon's, regardless of his desire. Prue is not disturbed by the fact that Gordon is having a relationship and actually feels that it would be best for him to overcome his passion before they get married. It is very probable that Prue's life experience had taught her a lot about patience.

Prue appears to be accustomed to being disappointed and to having empty relationships, but does not yield in to pessimism. She prefers to ignore her feelings through saying jokes and by looking at matters from a humorous point-of-view. It is not necessarily that Prue is not affected by the bad things that happen in her life, as it is actually that her hardships enabled her to develop a wall that keeps her suffering inside. Instead of making a big drama out of events that hurt her, she would rather smile and act as if nothing happened or as if she already knew that this was going to happen and it is pointless for her to focus on the matter. Her position in regard to her life is apparently very open-minded, considering that she enjoys partying, likes to organize parties, and likes to accompany other men to parties. She considers sex to be nothing more than a treat, similar to fine food and dancing, thus the reason for which she does not hesitate to perform the act whenever the situation arises. In comparison to most women of a similar age, Prue employs a positive approach at life and this is what helps her in getting through the day without being in pain. Prue considers that emotions are not something that a middle-aged woman should take in consideration, as she believes that they can easily destroy someone's self-esteem.

Prue is a civilized woman who learnt that life's difficulties should not be taken for granted. The fact that her children are now adults and that she is no longer married makes it possible for her to look at life from the perspective of a lonely person. She thus acknowledges the fact that she cannot afford the liberty of being guided by her emotions. Readers are likely to consider that Prue's reaction to finding out that Gordon has a lover is typical for the woman, as they gradually become accustomed to her being indifferent to matters that should actually influence her.