Best Possible Light

The Best Possible Light

- Essay

How would you react if your son/brother came home one evening and announced that he has made his ex-wife and new girlfriend pregnant, and he is getting married with his girlfriend? In this short story "The Best Possible Light" we will be introduced to a family issue and the mixed reactions from the family members.

The narrator of this story is Nina, she is telling us about her and her children's life. Nina is divorced and lives alone in New York. She used to live on a farm with her Husband, but as she says to Giancarlo, Isabelle's boyfriend, (Pg 3 line 34) "it wasn't realistic." Nina really loves her children, but she still thinks that it's unacceptable for Barney to act so immature. She wants him to grow up and be serious about his life. Ever since Barney got divorced from Julie, he always has a girlfriend. Nina loved Julie and still considers her like a part of the family. At the beginning of Barney's announcement, Nina doesn't completely believe that he is really going to change. But P.K. makes her at least to accept it and give him a chance to change even though she thinks it's bad. Nina's biggest problem is that she blames herself for what he has become. (Pg 5 line 7 & 8) "I am the one who taught him to regard himself as a blessing."

Barney is thirty-four but looks twenty-one. He is short and muscular, and he has a great nose. Barney lives in Chicago, and has recently been divorced and has now a new girlfriend. Barney is charming, and is always making everyone fall in love with him. He clowns around and says jokes and tries to be funny , for the only reason; to entertain. He can also be gentle and serious , but even then he makes jokes.

I believe there are certain "accepted" rules in a society, and in the family, which