When someone is nearsighted, the reality surrounding them becomes a blur, but the focus in the far distance seems to be more clear. Instead of seeing the danger close by, they only become aware of the overall dilemma, eventually leading to destruction. Likewise, in the story "Dead Possums", by Kathryn Ptacek, the narrator, Hank Strasak struggles to mend a damaged relationship, but at the same times, fails to see his raging battle with alcohol on an equal view. And while the turmoil of his relationship occurs, Hank slowly breaks down, eventually transforming in to a possum that never dies, experiencing the same pain forever. In this short story, Ptacek uses tone, point of view, and diction to portray the impact broken relationships have on Hank, causing him to ignore his personal predicament and magnify the transgressions of his wife, Mary-Ann.

Through his tone, Hank's exasperation of his wife's...