The first thought that came into mind was to compare Simpson's Lawns with Housekeeping as they both include characters that try to move on from the circumstances of their past. Both Lucille and Jenny try to forget the memories of their childhood and go on with their lives. Lucille wanted to break away from the oddities of her original home and family while Jenny tried to block out the incestuous relationship she had with her father.
Another interesting idea is the thought of holding onto one's past. Take for example, Baxter's "The Cures for Love" where the main character keeps the possessions that "he" left behind. She even mentions that she regrets washing his grey tee-shirts because now she can not even smell a trace of him anymore.
Worth noting that at the end of this particular short story, she encounters a woman wearing a paper hat and shouting curses at the moon which can be connected to the "transient woman" aspect that is present in Housekeeping.
Yet how can she move on from her past relationship by meeting a transi
ent woman? It is odd because in Housekeeping, Lucille (who is not a transient woman) was the one who moved on from her life in Fingerbone, and Ruth/Sylvie (who are transient women) drift around....not moving forward...?
Though is could also be argued that Ruth and Sylvie eventually move on from their home as they set it ablaze and drift to other parts of the world...effectively moving forward in some way?
Interesting topics to write about Sam! I never even considered the relationship between "The Cures for Love" and "Housekeeping." Whatever you choose though, I'm sure it'll be a great paper.
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