Varieties of the Fantastic in Fiction

I do not hate the rich. I aspire to be rich

The Semplica Girl Diaries is about a father who strives to give his children all that he can, with the emphasis of finances being access to this success. The male narrator, who never gives a name, describes their financial situation as middle class. It isn’t soon after he starts writing in his journal that he wins ten thousand dollars, spending all of his winnings on frivolous expenses, in which we are introduced to the SGs, a representation of the pinnacle of wealth.

 
We learn as time passes that this arrangement is considered manificence for those who are chosen as SGs, as these girls come from third world countries where their “opportunities are not so good.” No one questions this exhibit of wealth, except for Eva, thenarrator’s youngest daughter, who questions, “just because [others are] doing it, [does] that makes it right[?]”

 
When Eva releases the SGs, we see the burden the narrator faces; he is the provider of the household. With this burden, he comes to realize that he might not be so different from the SGs, with both sharing an aspiration and desire for a better life for their families and themselves.

SGs very much on my mind tonight, future reader

Where are they now? Why did they leave?

Just do not get.

Letter comes, family celebrates, girl sheds tears, stoically packs bag, thinks, Must go, am family’s only hope. Puts on brave face, promises she will return as soon as contract complete. Her mother feels, father feels: We cannot let her go. But they do. They must.

Whole town walks girl to train station/bus station/ferry stop? More tears, more vows. As train/bus/ferry pulls away, she takes last fond look at surrounding hills/river/quarry/shacks, whatever, i.e., all she has ever known of world, saying to self, Be not afraid, you will return, + return in victory, w/ big bag of gifts, etc., etc.