Don't Throw Away the Key

"Escape! She mst escape! Frank would save her. He would give her life, perhaps love, too."
Eveline, pg. 221

Eveline is a heartbreaking story of the potential turning point in the life of a downtrodden girl. The theme of the story reveals that sometimes humans don't do what's best for them because they are held back by fear. Eveline knows the potential benefits of going away with Henry; however, in the end, she decides to stay at home. I believe her choice was partially because she was afraid to leave her old life and go into the unknown, and partially because she didn't want her father to have to care for himself. The way people defend those who have hurt them is astounding. Even though her father did little to make her happy in her entire life, she still feels bound to serve and protect him. I was personally upset by the ending; I was so excited for Eveline to have a better life. Her situation reminds me of a favorite quote by the Eagles- "So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key." Eveline has the key to freedom, but is unfortunately too afraid to use it.