Analyzing Contrast in "Sorry for the Loss" by Bridget Keehan

Please write a 900-1200 word essay analyzing and interpreting Bridget Keehan's short story "Sorry for the Loss." Focus on the narrative technique and use of contrast in your analysis.

"Sorry for the Loss" (2008) by Bridget Keehan starts abruptly in a prison in England, where Evie, a Catholic chaplain, has to inform Victor about his grandmother's passing. The story delves into Evie's experiences as she grapples with moral dilemmas and societal challenges while working at the prison. Through Evie's perspective, readers are prompted to reflect on themes of good versus evil and the intersection of faith and humanity.

In the text, the setting is initially unclear until it is revealed on the 10th line of page 1 that it is in a prison. The reader is guided through an internal 3rd person narration, providing insight into Evie's thoughts and emotions. Despite working in a male prison surrounded by individuals her religion may consider sinners, Evie is depicted as a religious and spiritual woman who questions people's intentions and remains cautious.

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Prior to informing prisoner Victor Zamora about his grandmother's passing, Evie reflects on the contrast between the prison environment and her own beliefs. She finds solace in silence and prayer before the prisoners are called for afternoon labor, comparing her comfort to that of a junkie on heroin. When she approaches Victor, she is taken aback by his appearance, imagining him as her son despite realizing he may not be young enough for the math to add up. Evie seems to hold positive thoughts about Victor and endeavors to connect with him on a deeper level.

She admires the Imam and feels envious when Victor praises him as a good man, impressed by Victor's knowledge of Shakespeare and interest in spirituality. Despite feeling somewhat disappointed by Victor's reaction to his grandmother's story, Evie is also moved by the situation. As she leaves his cell, she watches the prisoners saying goodbye to their loved ones and is brought to tears.

Throughout the text, it is clear to the reader the environment in which Evie finds herself. In contrast to her personality and faith, prison is harsh and brutal, and even people like Victor, who seem very down to earth, have sinned. The internal narrative leading the reader into Edie's mind and feelings has a great impact on the short story and the point of view from which it is read. Despite Edie knowing and teaching the difference between good and evil, it does not seem to greatly influence her judgement and prejudices towards people. At the end of the story, Edie reflects on the strangeness of how something as delicate as a butterfly knife can cause harm, as Victor had used one to kill another pupil when he was younger. This symbolizes the beauty in people who can also commit evil acts. Another important passage describes prison guards as having voices trained like tenors to reach the gods, raising questions about our ability to act as judges and punishers.Is it not God's role to judge all living creatures at the end of their lives? The symbolic and narrative used in the short story also challenges religion. For instance, when Victor informs Evie about the pigeons being tortured in the pad next door, Evie quotes the saying that "God says to hate the sin, but love the sinner." Victor's sarcastic response is that he'll tell that to the pigeon. Evie ponders how Victor can feel compassion for a pigeon but not his own grandmother. Bridget Keehan symbolizes using nature as a contrast to society - in this case, the pigeon has done no evil and is being tortured while humans stand by and allow it to happen.

Keehan uses the pigeon as a symbol for peace, contrasting it with the convicted criminal Evie who finds herself in an intimidating prison environment. The author poses questions about society's boundaries and our tendencies to separate good from evil. Can imprisoning criminals truly make the world free of sin? Do we naively believe that containing evil makes the world a better place? Evie reflects on the concept of loving the sinner but hating the sin, prompting readers to consider integrating rather than isolating different worlds. Keehan suggests that it may be time for a new approach to controlling others' lives and fates.