The Shining Houses by Alice Munro

The main character Mary plays the victim of social oppression within the story. One of her neighbour's, Mrs. Fullerton, has one of the last houses on the block that has not been subsidized like all the other homes and made to blend in. She understands and empathizes with Mrs. Fullerton about her decision not to move, babysit, and to raise her own small livestock. Mary sees Mrs. Fullerton as a unique individual who wants nothing to do with change and who has the will to resist modifying her wishes and ideals to those around her.

However when it comes to herself, Mary is caught between a rock and a hard place. She understands and respects Mrs. Fullerton's wishes to keep her house the same, but also realizes and recognizes like all the other young members of the neighbourhood how the her house can be seen as an eye sore to the rest of the community. Her peers believe it will bring the resale value of the neighbouring homes down.

Marxist literary theory is present in this story in the form of ideology. The community wishes to form an ideal, a common model. When Mrs. Fullerton's home stands in the way of their desire to have the neighbourhood looking alike, they petition to the city to tear down her home. Unfortunately for Mary she sees both sides. She empathizes with Mrs. Fullerton but feels the need to conform her opinions and thoughts to those of her social and communal group. Guilt trips, loyalty and trust issues all come into play when those around her try to convince her to change her opinion, and ultimately try to alter her values.