You're Ugly, Too

The short story Your Ugly, Too by Lorrie Moore is about a woman who is alone and goes to visit her sister in New York. The story uses repetition to establish Zoe Hendrick's character, which allows the reader to observe why she is alone. Negative comments about Zoe such as, "Sometimes Professor Hendricks will take up the class's time just talking about movies she's seen" are repeated throughout the story to show Zoe is a unique character. Zoe is constantly taking actions that most people disapprove of. She sets herself apart, which allows negative comments to be made about her. Since everyone views Zoe as such a radical person, this may show some insight into why she lacks a husband or boyfriend. Since Zoe maintains characteristics that people dislike, it is he fault she is alone. She pushes men away and finds herself alone. It is her fault and yet she always blames the reason on something the men do. If she does not make change in the way she acts, he will be alone forever, while her sister achieves happiness with her relationship.