MacGowan (pg. 241-248)

“The one that put the acorn in your belly? …You’ve had the same operation before. Ever hear about the hair of the dog?” (pg. 243 & 247)

This quote indicates that the girl who visited the doctor’s office was indeed Dewey Dell who was looking to obtain an abortion. The metaphor of the acorn is used in reference to the baby she has in her stomach. However, in this narrative MacGowan conveys his characteristics of being an individual who is deceiving and selfish. MacGowan’s deceiving acts began when he pretended to be the doctor at the Jefferson’s drugstore. From this perspective it had been indirectly implied that in return for the abortion, Dewey Dell must give something in return (sex). This is revealed when MacGowan says “you’ve had the same operation before” which was between her and Lafe. Moreover, the old saying “the hair of the dog” is usually referred to having another drink in order to “cure” a hangover. However, in this text it is applied to doing the same act she had done with Lafe to MacGowan as a payment for the abortion. Lastly, MacGowan’s selfishness is indicated through the line “it was my night now” to show that he is getting what he desired.

I chose to have a picture of the cellar stairs because it exemplifies the stairs that are leading Dewey Dell to commit a sin in order to get what she wants. Moreover, this perfectly coincides with MacGowan’s description of the cellar: “The trouble about the cellar is, it aint but one way out and that’s back up the inside stairs.” This exposes how there is no other option for Dewey Dell due to the trap set by the cellar. The picture of the clocks represent MacGowan’s precision of time. Throughout his perspective he had been mentioning the time to exemplify his fear of getting caught. This is shown through his awareness of time before his boss comes and fires him for being with a patient. Moreover, it is also mentioned about Dewey Dell’s arrival in which he was in fear of having others know what he is doing. This also puts emphasis on her abortion by revealing how each occasion has its own time and by being late has its own consequences.