Sarah Cole by Russell Banks
"Sarah Cole" by Russell Banks is a poignant exploration of attraction, societal perceptions of beauty, and the complexities of human relationships. The story centers around Ron, a conventionally attractive young man who finds himself inexplicably drawn to Sarah, a woman whom he initially perceives as unattractive. Their encounters at Osgood's, a small upscale bar, evolve from awkward introductions to a complicated affair that reveals deep emotional undercurrents and personal insecurities.
As their relationship develops, Ron grapples with his feelings for Sarah, oscillating between attraction and an acute awareness of their differences, particularly in lifestyle and public perception. Tension mounts as Sarah desires more from the relationship, including public acknowledgment and integration into Ron’s life, while Ron struggles with his own discomfort and shame. The narrative culminates in a painful confrontation where Ron's internalized biases and fears surface, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Through this intricate character study, Banks challenges readers to consider the impact of societal norms on personal connections and the often-hidden depths of human emotion. "Sarah Cole" serves as a reflection on love, rejection, and the harsh realities that can emerge in intimate relationships.
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Sarah Cole by Russell Banks
First published: 1984
Type of plot: Domestic realism
Time of work: The late twentieth century
Locale: Concord, New Hampshire
Principal Characters:
Ron , the narrator, a handsome professional man of about twenty-eightSarah Cole , a friendly, homely woman of about thirty-eight
The Story
An unusually good-looking young man, Ron is quietly unwinding after work at Osgood's, a small upscale bar, where he is approached by Sarah Cole, the homeliest woman he has ever seen. Acting on a dare from her friends, Sarah introduces herself to Ron. As they converse over drinks, Ron finds himself becoming inexplicably attracted to the lumpish Sarah.
Two days later Ron and Sarah meet again at Osgood's. Though Ron has almost forgotten about their previous encounter, he once more finds himself inexplicably attracted to Sarah and tries to draw her out—to include her within his life. After they leave the bar together, Ron readily offers Sarah sympathy when she discovers that her car has been slightly dented in the parking lot, but they do not go home together. Ron finds himself the object of snickering scrutiny by other patrons of Osgood's as Sarah takes her leave of him.
After another encounter at Osgood's several weeks later, Ron invites Sarah to his apartment. There they discuss their mutual attraction and grow more comfortable in each other's presence. They admit that they would like to sleep together, but both recognize the real differences between them—in their lifestyles and appearances.
Some weeks later Ron remains obsessed with Sarah, though he has avoided seeing her. He unexpectedly meets her while running an errand on his bicycle. She invites him up to her apartment and suddenly takes the initiative by kissing him. Seeming perplexed and shaken by Sarah's impulsiveness, Ron silently leaves. The next morning Sarah appears at his apartment, where they are soon making love.
Over the next several weeks Ron and Sarah continue their uneasy affair. They never go out together, but instead meet at Ron's apartment, where they enjoy their lovemaking and learn more about each other. Tensions develop, however, when Sarah asks Ron to take her out in public with him. When Ron resists that suggestion, Sarah accuses him of being ashamed to be seen with her. He finally relents, and after enduring several miserable outings to bars or to Sarah's friend's houses, where Sarah often drinks to the point of incoherence, he becomes disgusted with the relationship. Sarah, who apparently wants something more from Ron, wishes for him to meet her children from her first marriage. When Ron hesitates, trying to come up with an excuse, Sarah senses a problem. They agree to meet to talk about it.
Ron informs Sarah that the relationship is over, and she briefly resists his wishes, pretending that it cannot be true. He finally forces her to leave his apartment and calls her a "disgusting, ugly bitch." As he speaks, Sarah becomes more beautiful to him with every mean word that he utters. She leaves, crying, and he feels as if he has killed her.