Happiness in “Dressing Up for the Carnival” Anonymous 12th Grade

In a society today that idealizes perfection, many find themselves forming a façade to hide their flawed reality. In “Dressing Up for the Carnival” by Carol Shields, a disguised truth prevails, showing that those who are posed with domestic issues are more likely to crave acceptance in society. Firstly, this is shown by the character of Roger, a divorcee who wishes for a changed reality. Similarly, Mr. Gilman develops low self-esteem due to his daughter-in-law's actions causing him to later use flowers as a disguise to seem like a busy man with a purpose. Although some may argue societal pressure is the unequivocal source of unhappiness in “Dressing Up for the Carnival,” this paper will argue that loneliness due to lack of familial support is what causes the high degree of unhappiness, thus suggesting those who are deprived of familial love are more likely to create a false reality and face internal conflict.

To begin, the character of Roger faces internal conflict and the desire to amend his lonely reality due to his life as a divorcee. In this short story, the reader is introduced to Roger as he leaves a corner store carrying a mango. As he leaves the corner store and dwells on the mango, the narrator says “The shriveled fate...