The shining houses – Conflict

 “The Shining Houses” by Alice Munro is a classic story which shows the idea of conflict between old and the new and the human reaction to everyday change. Both sides of the story have very strong feelings of what they expect to be done which leads to a fierce and controversial conflict between the two parties.

 

 The main character, Mary, is caught in the middle of the argument forcing her to make and take an opinion, a forced opinion that everyone will encounter at some point of their life. The role of the “old” in the story is showed by Mrs. Fullerton, the longest living residence of the community. The neighbours thought her old house is bringing down the value of property in the surrounding area.

 

 Although the area was fine to bring up the property value of  , the neighbourhood has started a petition for building a lane and for their better property value. But, the reason was mainly people hate the old lady and her own traditional ways.

 

 Mary, the main character, got a lot of feelings about this situation. The community pressure to her to join their side , so that make the area better. However, on the other side, she felt guilty for Mrs. Fullerton because Mary actually knows what true is.

 

 I would say conflicts of “The shining houses” story are Person VS herself and Person VS society which is the community of the area.