Rejection: Fiction

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, racism, gender discrimination, sexual violence, mental illness, sexual content, and emotional abuse.

In “Re: Rejection,” Tulathimutte argues that the risk of rejection, though terrifying, is necessary for writers to embrace: “To attempt [writing an unrejectable book] is to abandon the possibility of an authentic connection with the reader, one in which you put yourself on their level” (256). This insight also applies to more general experiences of rejection. One of the reasons the stories’ protagonists face repeated rejection is that they try to insulate themselves from it instead of considering the possibilities that rejection creates for them.

“The Feminist” follows Craig, who is convinced that the foolproof way to engage with women is to become a feminist, deferring to women at every possible opportunity. Viewed from the perspective of Bee in “Main Character,” Craig’s engagement is sheepish to the point of being grating. When Bee can no longer stand Craig, they accuse Craig of being addicted to self-pity as a consolation for rejection. This is signaled by Craig’s refusal to grow out of his misguided belief that deference should entitle him to love and sex.