Fiction | December 01, 1980
The Changeling
Joyce Carol Oates
This story is not currently avaible online
The Changeling
Joyce Carol Oates
When father was finally released from the hospital at Vanderpoel he was much changed in his heart, and nobody would acknowledge the fact but me. They have all pretended otherwise. The lot of them, my brothers, my aunts, my great uncle Tyler; Reverend Muske; Father’s broker, Father’s attorney, Father’s accountant, Father’s former secretary, even Father’s physician Dr. Freyling; our housekeeper, our cook, our gardener, our chauffeur. “How well he looks! How greatly he has improved!” they say, squeezing my hand. Their eyes flood with tears of pity; they want only to escape.
If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member at an institution whose library subscribes to Project Muse, you can read this piece and the full archives of the Missouri Review for free. Check this list to see if your library is a Project Muse subscriber.
Want to read more?
Subscribe TodaySEE THE ISSUE
SUGGESTED CONTENT
Fiction
Oct 07 2026
Perkoff Prize Winner: Di Nwanne ‘m
Di Nwanne’m Your brother’s name is Mezie. When your older brothers, Idi and Abuchi, fight over who ate the last piece of cocoyam or whose turn it is to… read more
Fiction
Oct 07 2026
Stump
Stump All around downtown Portland, Oregon, pigeons died and more were born. Every hour. Shell-cracking births in the dank crooks of underpasses; grisly deaths under the wheel of a car… read more
Fiction
Oct 07 2026
Hill Station
Hill Station “Arjun!” cries Betha. Two boys come running out of a doorway at them. Betha is wearing a dusty dress. In her hand is a bottle of oil,… read more