Gloria (essay :) pt. 1 Gloria is a short story written by Alice McDermott and published in The Washington Post on November 14th, 2014. The the story, McDermott explores the meaning of the term "blessed" in contrary to mere luck. The core of the short story consists of the fundamental difference between the use of the word 'blessed' and 'lucky', and furthermore, perhaps the significant contrast between Gloria’s family circumstances and her fiancée, Ryan's, family circumstances. The story takes place at a thanksgiving dinner and the first person we are introduced to is Richard. Richard and his family seems to be quite wealthy. We get this impression from the description of their opulent home and the occupations of Richard's three grown children. They are not religious and religion does not seem to have ever had a meaningful impact on their lives, despite celebrating thanksgiving. This is quite evident in the following quote; "His family had long ago dispensed with saying grace before Thanksgiving dinner. No one among them was religious anymore. He and Ellie, his wife, had happily drifted away from Sunday obligations as soon as their three children outgrew whatever benefits the various local churches once offered'(ll. 12-15). Richard and this family seem to have always been indifferent to the church (as soon as it) especially after the services that they offer stopped benefitting them, which makes them appear to be counterfeit and insincere. We also get the impression that Richard is superficial and maybe ignorat to some extend. "(...) a house that filled him with astonished pride each time he pulled into his own circular drive. (...)Richard remembered joking with his son about the advantages of not having in-laws". At the thanksgiving dinner table we are also introduced to Richard's wife, Ellie, his children, Matt, Jill and Ryan and his grandchildren. Furthermore, we are introduced to Ryan's exceptionally gorgeous fiancee, Gloria. Ryan and Gloria have supposedly been together for a year and four months and are already to be married after Christmas. As the topic of the conversation falls on Gloria’s family, we get to know more about her through her story. At first we get the impression that she is generous and warm, however, as she reminisces about her family she begins to come off as a bit uneasy and somewhat bitter.