Conclusion

        The theme of expectations laced throughout the various stories included in these three units are fascinating to study and explore, not only because of its many facets, but also because of its relevance to real life. No person can ever live up to every expectation set before them, whether by themselves, family members, society, organizations, or one's nation as a whole. Sometimes expectations must be prioritized, and sometimes the wrong one is chosen, resulting in further disappointment than a different route may have caused. This is the reality of life. It is unfortunate and messy, as well as beautiful and formative.

        Circumstances do not make a person who they are; their reactions and decisions while facing those circumstances are what make a person who they are. A person's decision to stay true to him or herself rather than cave to pressure from the outside, is a noble and strong-willed path a character might take, such as in "Sweat" and "Defender of the Faith." Just as well-intentioned could be the effort to sacrifice a personal conviction for the sake of a loved one's well-being, as seen in "The Soft-Hearted Sioux." Still, in many other cases, the expectations are met with simple, undeniable failure, as in "Neighbors" or "The Lady of Little Fishing." No matter the route, the theme of expectations plays a significant role in the development of the characters and plot of each short story, and its role in each instance is worth taking a deep look.