Can one's desire to fit in among society be so strong as to become the driving force of their life? Throughout Joyce Carol Oates's Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart, the main characters become so desperate to be accepted by society that this very desire molds their decisions, and in some cases, their lifestyle. The longing to be accepted burns so deep within Duke and Persia Courtney, Jinx Fairchild, and most importantly, Iris Courtney, that their lives are built around it.

Duke and Persia Courtney clearly base their lives around their want to belong. First, Duke Courtney does this through his gambling habit. Through gambling, he can obtain acceptance in two aspects of his life: society and finances. Duke Courtney attends horse races where he not only makes bets, but socializes also. By socializing with the men at the racetrack and forming friendships with...