"You're Ugly, Too": Alienation

    In "You're Ugly, Too" by Lorrie Moore, the life of a painfully sarcastic middle aged woman, Zoe Hendricks, is examined through the presentation of her relationships and lifestyle.  Flashbacks reveal Zoe's past relationships and explain her cynicism towards the people in her life.  Also, these flashbacks make Zoe a sympathetic character by revealing her unfortunate dealings with men.  These harsh occurrences have hardened Zoe's heart and made her unfeeling to those engaging in a joyous relationship.  For example, upon her of her sister's engagement, Zoe reacts by telling of a relationship where a man made his lover "go to all his summer softball games, made her cheer for him from the stands... until she later killed herself" (Moore).  Then, when Zoe meets the friendly and sociable Earl, she constantly makes snide remarks.  I am under the impression that Zoe, does not necessarily take great pity upon herself, but does recognize her extreme loneliness.  However, despite this alienation, Zoe clearly makes herself undesirable by being sardonic to every being she encounters.  This short story truly confused me as it seemed to be more character-driven than plot-driven.