Although “Good People” lacks details about the particular setting of its plot, the reader is
smoothly indulged into the couple’s crisis’ intimate setting through the usage of vivid descriptions and a
variety of sensory elements. Starting
in media res
, the narrator emphasizes the uncomfortable tension
surrounding his characters, who have to take their final decision about whether or not to go through
with the pregnancy. While placing them in “that park by the lake, by the edge of the lake,” Wallace
enhances the overall anxious atmosphere through the use of the term “edge” (Wallace 149). The
detailed description of the two main characters’ body language and the way they were sitting on top of
the picnic table and had “their shoes on the bench part that people sat on … in carefree times” draws
attention to the huge crises that they are going through. Furthermore, Wallace proceeds to describe a
nature decor that is perceived almost as hostile, as the air is “suffused with honeysuckle and lilacs both,
which was almost too much” (Wallace 149). Conversely, the “half hidden by the bank” tree could
symbolize the two characters’ lives and opposing attitudes towards their imminent life-changing
resolution. However, the couple’s desired physical solitude is not ideal, as the author mentions the
presence of another individual. Standing a dozen picnic tables away, the older man, whose outfit
