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Will F. Jenkins The Night Drive

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Different forces push characters in stories to behave as per them. This idea is well illustrated in Will F. Jenkins’ “The Night Drive.” The fear, suspicion and revenge of Madge and Mr. Tabor are some of the ways that they were driven by the same force, hence pushing them into action during their night travel through treacherous darkness. When Mr. Tabor asks Madge to take his niece Eunice with her, she offers him her service out of duty and a sense of fellowship at the start. Her knowledge about what lies ahead if she does not act with caution, coupled with preserving self-esteem, prompts her actions throughout the journey. For example, Madge’s anxiety deepens when she remembers how Mrs. Tabor died mysteriously one day: "Madge's heart was pounding...it …show more content…

Tabor’s determination to catch the criminal and prevent any further mishaps plays a significant role in shaping his character throughout the story. I’m Eunice. I was afraid you wouldn’t recognize me," he said as an example of his decision to dress up like his niece on their way, which he undertook with Madge. This instance shows how Mr. Tabor had cunningly planned and deceived Madge in order to insinuate himself into her journey because of revenge thirst, which necessitated arresting the person who caused his wife’s death. Consequently, both characters are compelled by instinct towards survival and justice; these forces determine their actions as they drive through the dark, dangerous night. They have similar objectives, hence, leading to a horrible suspense climax that confronts the lurking dangers of nightfall). The disclosure of “Eunice’s” mysterious conduct or spine-chilling revelations during their travel adds more fear and suspicion: “Madge’s heart sank... it wasn’t the face but the eyes.” This means that both characters’ instincts for life are posed with challenge in the form of unknownness, thereby adding depth to their motivations before finally reaching their climax.In The Night Drive, fear, suspicion, and the desire for revenge propel Madge and Mr. Tabor forward, shaping their actions and decisions as they navigate the treacherous journey

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