Selected Shorts: "Out of Bounds"
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Performed by: Haecheon Park and Jennifer Ikeda
Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction

In the February 27, 2025 episode of Selected Shorts titled "Out of Bounds," host Meg Wolitzer delves into the intricate concept of boundaries—be they social, political, or personal—and explores the profound impacts when these lines are crossed or redefined. Through two compelling narratives from different eras, the episode examines how individuals navigate shifting terrains that challenge their sense of self and place in the world.

Story 1: "Somebody's Daughter" by Amy Silverberg

Performer: Haecheon Park
Timestamp Range: 03:06 – 24:24

Synopsis

Amy Silverberg's Somebody's Daughter presents the story of a young woman grappling with her identity and boundaries within a complex roommate relationship. Living with a wealthy roommate whose father becomes an unwelcome paternal figure, the protagonist finds herself entangled in a web of emotional and moral dilemmas.

Key Themes and Discussions

• Crossing Personal Boundaries: The protagonist's interaction with her roommate's father blurs the lines between familial respect and inappropriate intimacy.

  "Can a man be both a father figure and a lover?"
  — Meg Wolitzer (24:24)

• Societal Expectations vs. Personal Desires: The narrative highlights the tension between societal norms and individual desires, especially in the context of relationships that defy conventional boundaries.

• Transformation Through Relationships: The protagonist undergoes a significant transformation, moving from isolation to feeling desired, which complicates her self-perception and emotional state.

Notable Quotes

• "You're like the tide. You have moods. They ebb and flow."
  — Roy (Roommate's Father) (16:24)

• "Boundaries can be useful. They can define countries or neighborhoods or landscapes or homes, and personal boundaries keep our private selves private while we navigate social interactions."
  — Meg Wolitzer (00:53)

Meg Wolitzer's Analysis

Meg Wolitzer dissects the protagonist's journey, emphasizing the nuanced portrayal of her willingness to venture into new emotional territories. She observes how the character's interactions challenge the binary perception of age and worth, as seen when Roy comments:

"You're not really. You used to be."
— Roy (16:24)

Wolitzer highlights the fluidity of boundaries and how their redrawing can lead to profound personal revelations and societal commentaries.

Story 2: "Evacuation Order no. 19" by Julie Otsuka

Performer: Jennifer Ikeda
Timestamp Range: 27:27 – 56:30

Synopsis

Julie Otsuka's Evacuation Order no. 19 transports listeners to Berkeley in 1942, depicting a woman's harrowing experience as her life is upended by a forced evacuation order during wartime. The narrative captures the emotional and psychological toll on her and her family as they prepare to leave their home under dire circumstances.

Key Themes and Discussions

• Loss of Autonomy: The woman's meticulous packing and adherence to rules reflect the sudden loss of control over her life due to external governmental dictates.

• Impact of War on Families: The story underscores the personal tragedies and disruptions caused by war, extending its battlefield beyond the front lines into the domestic sphere.

• Resilience and Adaptation: Despite the chaos, the protagonist displays resilience as she navigates the practical and emotional challenges of evacuation.

Notable Quotes

• "Your mom would like to see you happy."
  — Roy (16:24)

• "You've been a good dog."
  — Woman (44:08)

Meg Wolitzer's Analysis

Wolitzer commends Otsuka's vivid reconstruction of a dark chapter in American history, emphasizing how minute details—like the woman's silk gloves—contrast the dignity of her former life with the stark reality of evacuation. She notes:

"In Poetics, she says, you don't live up to your potential."
— Roy (16:24)

This reflection on unmet potential and shifting boundaries illustrates the broader human costs of war, extending beyond physical destruction to emotional and societal upheaval.

Conclusion: Redefining Boundaries Across Eras

Selected Shorts masterfully juxtaposes two narratives that, while set in vastly different contexts, converge on the theme of boundaries being tested and redefined. "Somebody's Daughter" explores the fluidity of personal and societal lines in intimate relationships, whereas "Evacuation Order no. 19" portrays the rigid enforcement of external boundaries amid wartime exigencies.

Meg Wolitzer eloquently ties these stories together, highlighting how changes in boundaries—whether voluntary or imposed—force individuals to adapt, confront their values, and reassess their identities. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining personal integrity and navigating the complex terrains of human relationships and societal expectations.

Notable Quotes from Host

• "Boundaries can be useful. They can define countries or neighborhoods or landscapes or homes, and personal boundaries keep our private selves private while we navigate social interactions."
  — Meg Wolitzer (00:53)

• "In Poetics, she says, you don't live up to your potential."
  — Roy (16:24)

Final Thoughts

"Out of Bounds" is a compelling exploration of how boundaries shape and sometimes confine our lives. Through rich storytelling and insightful analysis, Selected Shorts invites listeners to reflect on their own boundaries and the consequences of crossing them. Whether navigating the intimate complexities of personal relationships or enduring the harsh disruptions of global conflict, the episode underscores the enduring human struggle to define and redefine the lines that separate and connect us.

Production Credits

Selected Shorts is produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with contributions from Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivianne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski. The readings are recorded by Miles B. Smith, with live performances captured by Phil Richards at Symphony Space in New York City. Mix engineering was handled by Joe Plord, and the theme music is "That's the Deal" by David Peterson, performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group. This episode is supported by the Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with contributions from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. Selected Shorts is produced and distributed by Symphony Space.