"Oh William!" By Elizabeth Strout

Elizabeth Strout's short story "Oh William!" tells the tale of a married couple, William and Olive, who live a quiet life in a small town in Maine. The story is told through Olive's point of view, giving the reader a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings towards her husband and their marriage.The story begins with Olive and William going for a walk, where Olive observes a young couple in love and reflects on her own relationship with her husband. She notes that while William is a good man, he is not a passionate one, and she longs for more excitement in her life. As they continue their walk, they come across a man who has fallen off his bike and is bleeding profusely. William quickly takes charge, calling for an ambulance and tending to the man's injuries. Olive is impressed by her husband's quick thinking and selflessness, and begins to see him in a new light.Later that evening, Olive and William have a conversation about their marriage. Olive reveals her desire for more passion and excitement in their relationship, but William assures her that he loves her deeply and is committed to their life together. Olive realizes that while William may not be the most passionate person, he is a good and loving husband who always puts her needs before his own.Strout's use of first-person narration allows the reader to understand Olive's perspective and inner thoughts, giving the story a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Olive's initial dissatisfaction with her marriage and her desire for something more is a relatable feeling, but her realization that William's steadfast love and care are what truly matter in a relationship is a valuable lesson.The setting of the small Maine town also plays an important role in the story. The quiet, slow-paced lifestyle of the town reflects the steady and unchanging nature of William and Olive's relationship. However, the unexpected incident with the injured man disrupts their routine and forces Olive to see William in a new light.The themes of love, commitment, and the importance of steady, dependable relationships are central to the story. Olive's desire for passion and excitement is a natural human desire, but ultimately she learns that those things are fleeting and can't compare to the deep, abiding love that William has for her. The story also explores the idea that sometimes it takes a crisis or unexpected event to bring people closer together and make them appreciate each other more fully.Overall, "Oh William!" is a well-crafted and poignant story that explores the complexities of marriage and relationships. Strout's use of first-person narration and vivid descriptions of the Maine town make the story come alive, while the themes of love and commitment resonate with readers on a deeper level. The story's message of the importance of steady, dependable love is one that will stay with readers long after they finish the final page.