Repressed Sexuality in Joyce Carol Oates’ "Haunted" Sierra Schena College

Joyce Carol Oates’ short story Haunted deals with murder, mystery and the supernatural when the protagonist’s best friend, Mary Lou, is found dead. Set in a small, conservative farming town, Melissa and Mary Lou seem to live normal teenage lives. However, Melissa always had stronger feelings for Mary Lou than pure friendship. Her feelings were always kept hidden due to the religious values which governed her community. Despite the strict rules imposed upon them, the girls find an escape by visiting the old abandoned farms where they can be alone, free to think and act how they please. When Melissa decides to visit the abandoned Minton house alone, she encounters a ghost for the first time. The ghost punishes Melissa for trespassing onto the property in a sexual manner and tells her to send Mary Lou to her the next day. Melissa, though alarmed, is able to leave the Minton house alive. Unfortunately, Mary Lou could not say the same after her visit to the farm. Mary Lou’s ex-boyfriend, Hans, is immediately convicted for the murder, however he lacks a motive and has an alibi. Therefore, the real killer is never explicitly revealed. Oates uses the Minton house ghost in her short story to symbolize Melissa’s recognition of her...