While some people seem to be exact opposites, we often find that they have more in common than what we realize at first glance. This is a lesson from which we could all learn because nothing is as it seems. Two stories that illustrate this fact through choices and stark realizations are "Eveline" by James Joyce and "Good Country People" by Flannery O'Connor. Both stories illustrate the power of paralysis, the role of women, and missed opportunity through the characters of Eveline and Hulga. While these two women appear to be different on the surface, we learn the same life lessons through a series of their difficult circumstances. Eveline never quite realizes what has occurred to her because she refuses to delve into the future and its possibilities. Her lesson is left to us. On the other hand, Hulga is forced to face certain things about herself that she never considered before and we can learn from her experience along with her. Each women, though worlds apart, teaches us something about human nature.
             While each of us is in our own place on the earth, we are not that different from one another. Eveline and Hulga are women that become paralyzed by circumstances. In "Eveline," Eveline becomes paralyzed because of indecision. In short, she is torn between two choices. She desires a new life where "people would treat her with respect (Joyce)" and she would not be treated like her mother. She even knows that a new life with Frank was a ticket to freedom. We read, "Frank would save her. He would give her life, perhaps love, too. However, she wanted to live. Why should she be unhappy? She had a right to happiness. Frank would take her in his arms, fold her in his arms. He would save her" (Joyce). While these statements may be true, they are not enough to cause Eveline to leave her current situation. This is essential to understanding Eveline's character becaus...