Short Fiction · Chapter
Up in Michigan explained
Liz Coates, a young woman working for the Smiths in the small town of Hortons Bay, develops a deep infatuation with Jim Gilmore, the local blacksmith.
What happens
Liz Coates, a young woman working for the Smiths in the small town of Hortons Bay, develops a deep infatuation with Jim Gilmore, the local blacksmith. Jim, however, remains largely oblivious to her feelings. After a deer hunting trip, Jim gets drunk and takes Liz down to the dock, where he sexually assaults her while she is frightened and conflicted. Afterward, Jim falls asleep, and Liz, feeling cold and miserable, covers him with her coat and walks home alone.
Themes in this chapter
American Identity and Disillusionment
The story portrays the harsh realities of rural American life and the disillusionment of Liz's romantic expectations, contrasting the idyllic setting with the brutal encounter.
Masculinity and Sexual Anxiety
Jim's aggressive pursuit of sex and Liz's fear and confusion highlight the power imbalance and sexual anxiety inherent in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Jim Gilmore
The blacksmith from Canada; Liz's object of affection; he gets drunk after the hunting trip and initiates a sexual encounter with Liz on the dock.
- Liz Coates
A young woman working for the Smiths; she is infatuated with Jim and experiences a mix of desire and fear during their encounter on the dock.
- James G. Blaine
Mentioned as a topic of conversation between Jim and A. J. Smith.
- Smith
A. J. Smith, the man Liz works for; he goes hunting with Jim and hosts the post-hunt dinner.
- Mrs. Smith
A. J. Smith's wife; she employs Liz and is described as a very large clean woman.
Key passages
“Liz had good legs and always wore clean gingham aprons and Jim noticed that her hair was always neat behind. He liked her face because it was so jolly but he never thought about her.”
Jim appreciated Liz's neat appearance and cheerful face, but he did not consider her romantically.
Illustrates Jim's lack of romantic interest in Liz despite her qualities.
“She was terribly frightened, no one had ever touched her, but she thought, 'He's come to me finally. He's really come.'”
Liz was scared because she had never been touched before, yet she felt that Jim's attention was what she had been waiting for.
Highlights Liz's conflicting emotions of fear and desire.
“The hemlock planks of the dock were hard and splintery and cold and Jim was heavy on her and he had hurt her.”
The dock was uncomfortable and cold, and Jim's weight caused her pain during the encounter.
Emphasizes the physical discomfort and harm Liz experiences.