More Benjamin Binaries

Since we have read and discussed Benjamin and her theory about the binaries, every story has either had an underlying or very prominent binary. These binaries have repeatedly had extreme importance to the development and view of characters within the short stories. Our ability to understand and analyze these binaries has become a key part in becoming better readers and thinkers. In Old Woman Magoun, binaries are again on the surface of the stories plot. It is clear from the beginning that Old Woman Magoun is in control of a dominating "Parent"/ child relationship. Although she is not the real parent, her dominance over Lily puts her in closed box that is forbidden to be opened. She is kept a youthful child well beyond the normal age of growing up. Old Woman Magoun's manipulation of Lily is so evident, that Lily never even recognizes the situation she is with her father. Magoun makes sure to hide her from any change in character or affect in personality. She even dominates her to her death, due to the fact that she more or less murdered Lily. This Binary again deems impossible to get out of or create mutual recognition in. There is yet to be a perfect example of mutual recognition, emphasizing the difficult to achieve it, even in writing.