“Life After High

School”
By: Joyce Carol Oates
 Foreshadowing
• Only obvious in hindsight

• It gives the readers a sense of understanding after

they finish the story

Examples:
“who had never to anyone’s recollection asked a girl out
before” p. 573

“Sunny’s secret vanity must have been what linked them.

For several times, gravely, Zachary had said to her,
‘When I’m with you, Sunny, it’s possible for me to
believe.’” p. 579
 Foreshadowing
“Once, Zachary confined in Tobias that he prayed
every morning of his life—immediately upon waking
he scrambled out of bed, knelt, hid his face in his
hands, and prayed. For his sinful soul, for his sinful
thoughts, deeds, desires. He lacerated his soul… ‘To
get through the day. Doesn’t everyone?’ This
melancholy reply, Tobias was never to reveal.” p.
577

“‘Zachary, it’s a free world.’ Zachary said, ‘Oh no it

isn’t, Sunny. For some of us, it isn’t.’” p. 578
 Shifts in Time
• Follows Sunny’s perspective through her life before,
during, and after Zachary
• Shows transition into dynamic Character
• Third person limited point of view carries the story

Starts at end of Zachary’s life

Goes back to when Zachary’s begins to love Sunny

Goes to actual present

Goes into future

 Metaphor
• “he lacerated his soul the way he’d been taught by
his mother to tug a fine toothed steel comb through
his coarse, oily hair, never less than once a day.” p.
577

• “like a dream voice—felt, but not heard…Face round

like a moon…blossom-like clumps fell on the boy’s
broad shoulders (snow)…like an impatient child.” p.
581

• Sunny’s name—for her personality and her influence

on other people p. 578
 Symbols
• Choosing golf

• Engagement Ring

• New unlaced gym shoes & Bible

• Plum Colored 1956 Plymouth

 Irony
• April Fool’s Day note p. 583

• “Yes. But it’s not my fault he’s dead.” p.

584

• “in casting away his young life so

recklessly, Zachary Graff had freed her
from hers” p. 585
 Discussion: Role of Religion
• What is the role of religion shown in the
story?
– His parents are strict
• Wanted him to got to Muhlenberg College, which
is church related

– Sunny’s beliefs – p. 576

• Christian
• Moral
• All American girl

– Zachary’s beliefs p. 577

• Conflicted
• Religious doubts, but attends church on regular
basis

– Tobias (para 40)

 Discussion: Role of Religion
• How does religion impact the attitudes of the
characters?
– Sunny is an overall, average, Church girl
– Tobias & Zachary – loners, afraid
• One of two choices: Tobias comes to terms with himself,
Zachary can’t deal with it

• How is it seen in the time period? (1960’s)

– Raised up in a strict conservative environment
– Homosexuality- unheard of
– Late 60’s gay rights movement starts
Discussion: Dynamic Characters
• Sunny
– “That was the final season of her life as ‘Sunny’
Burhman” p. 583

– “She hadn’t been queen of the senior prom. She

hadn’t even continued to be a Christian.” p. 584

– Change occurs right after Zachary’s death

– Goes from her happy, Sunny self, to Barbara, a

strict and sullen person
 Discussion: Themes
• Insecurities during adolescence result in facades,
conformity, and disguised feelings.

– People often find out who they really are after they leave
that atmosphere of always trying to please people and fit
in

– Everyone has secrets

– Zachary: “The Graffs knew nothing about Sunny Burhman.”

p. 579 (one of many things)

– Tobias: comes to terms with himself as a playwright

– Sunny: hides feelings of impatience, irritation, frustration

 Discussion: Themes
• Social norms and fear of rejection often
lead to a negative self perception and may
lead to mental instability in desperation

– Reason why Tobias rejected Zachary at the end

—was afraid of social norms

– The reason why Zachary chose Sunny as a symbol

*How is this theme still applicable today?*

 Discussion:
• What do you think the last line of the
story means?

“What do you think Zachary planned to do

with the clothesline?”