Reflection of "Toga Party" by John Barth; from "The Best American Short Stories" ed. Stephen King

One of the short stories that we’ve read for English 110 is “Toga Party” by John Barth. I really did like this story. In short, it was about the lives of and elderly couple. This pair spends most of their days engaging in meaningless conversation about their neighbors or selfish children. One evening, the two decide to attend a house-warming party for one of their new neighbors. The theme of this occasion happens to be “toga party.” The husband, Dick Felton, is not especially enthused to attend, but his wife Sue insists that they make an appearance. Upon their arrival to the gathering, the two are instructed to announce a phrase in Latin. After entering, the two converse with the guests, rambling on about the “good old days” as if they themselves hadn’t changed. By the time the Felton’s arrive back home, Dick is thoroughly depressed, realizing that he and his wife have long surpassed the “good old days.” The party that night had demonstrated to him his lack of interest in life. He explains to his wife, “we’ve had a good life together, but it’s done with except for the crappy last lap, and neither of us wants that.” Sue agrees with him. They decide to remain in the closed garage, with the car engine running and the windows rolled down. The eerie final line of this story plainly states, “the overhead garage light timed out,” symbolizing their lives drawing to a close.
Most of the students in class were upset by the final line of this story. Personally, I was a little surprised by it as well. On the other hand, I thought that the simplicity of it, along with its ghostly candor, was refreshing and genius. I am a huge fan of scary movies. The way in which this story ended was uncommon and very entertaining.