"The Fat Girl" by Andre Dubus II is a short story that follows the life of Louise, a woman who struggles with body image, eating habits, and societal expectations. The story spans nearly two decades, from Louise's childhood to motherhood.
Louise's mother pressures her to control her eating and stay slim in order to attract boys. Louise's eating habits become secretive, and she gains weight, feeling isolated from her thin friends. She attends college with her supportive roommate, Carrie, who encourages her to diet. Louise's weight loss gains her praise, and she marries Richard, a lawyer. She becomes pregnant and begins to eat more openly, though Richard shames her for it. Louise's weight remains a source of conflict in their marriage.
As their relationship deteriorates, Louise realizes that Richard will likely leave her. This realization brings her a sense of liberation. The story concludes with Louise calmly enjoying a candy bar, prepared to face the changes in her life.
Throughout the story, the themes of societal pressures, body image, self-acceptance, and the impact of relationships are explored, with Louise's struggles serving as a lens to examine these issues.
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