ENGWR 301
Professor Kiefer
September 15, 2014
Marxist Criticism of Tiny Giants
The short stories written by Jason Sinclair Long differ from most stories that carry conflict, complications and climax. Stories in Tiny Giants are relatively short but they still pertain elements that show different class and the effect of society on people. In The Revolution Will Not Have a Dress Code it is seen how people follow trends and how clothing changes how others perceive you (46). The way one dresses is often a clue to the social class they belong to. In the story Outfoxed author shows Wanda to be of the upper class and sets the tone by using words such as “extravagantly” and “delicate.” Wanda is used to having nice things and hires a boy to do yard work. The fact that Tony works for her shows that he is of a lower class. She seduces him easily feeling accomplished in using her beauty to get what she wanted. The elite are used to getting the things they want by oppressing those of the lower class. This story is a perfect example of how people in society behave because of their economic status and how the oppressed might react to that. Tony stole her diamonds which shows that people in different classes try to take advantage of each other (108).
Another story that shows how the oppressed react is The Three-Hole Punch. Getting fired from a job is difficult because it puts people in an economic position that they are not used to and is a perfect example of how people view their lives based on their status and their place in society. “Finally you take a breath and just go for it, snatching something - anything – in a blind fury. You’re not sure what it is, but you’ve shown them all. You’ve stuck it to the man!” (18). This shows how people react to change in life due to ideology that makes them feel like they are not where they are supposed to be in life.
Society sets up ideology by showing people what life should be like and what they should want. American Dreamers shows how people strive to live a picture perfect life but often end up being not happy with it (73). Forever “It” is about an art class where students are waiting to be critiqued by the professor. “One word sealed fates” (40). Students depended their future on the opinion of one professor. Dominant class affects society because people of lower class don’t have a lot of possibilities to get their ideas out there to be heard.
Works Cited
Long, Jason Sinclair. Tiny Giants: 101 Stories under 101 Words. Sacramento: Ad Lumen, 2014. Print.
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