Death is mysteriously incomprehensible to those who are living; and everyone has a unique perception of life. Some think it moves too fast, while others wish they could "fast forward" the years. In We Were the Mulvaneys written by Joyce Carol Oates, a young, lonely farm boy has an awakening experience down at a brook by his driveway. While he is there, he goes through a series of emotions that brings him to an important realization about the swift passage of time.

Oates uses several steps to characterize Judd Mulvaney. She starts out subtly with the environment surrounding him. He first looks down at the "Fast-flowing clear water, shallow, shale beneath, and lots of leaves." (Line 3-4). Noticing that the water is "fast-flowing" pre-relates to his fast-flowing emotions and thoughts about how quickly life goes by. Judd then notices the "Sky [was the] the color of lead and...