Apply one term or element of identity to "Neighbors." Build your topic sentence around the term or element of identity you select, making sure to offer what you will prove about it. For example, you could write something about the ideology of the American Dream in "Neighbors." Offer a developed paragraph identifying what term or element of identity you will discuss. Write one post that contains two formal paragraphs. Make sure that you have a topic sentence, evidence (a least three quotes from each of the stories), and analysis of that evidence.

The Stones, who are prosperous, have apparently embraced the ideology more passionately than the Millers have. The Millers, rather than adhere to the principle of hard work being rewarded, have succumbed to envy; instead of being encouraged to achieve those material rewards for themselves, they exploit their neighbors’ possessions. The narrator mentions their envy right away:

It seemed to the Millers that the Stones lived a fuller and brighter life.

Two related elements of identity that are strongly represented are sexuality. In turn, Bill and Arlene are individually stimulated by the neighbors’ goods to engage in solitary sexual activity. For Bill, this includes donning both male and female clothing. Bill wears Harriet’s clothes, including her underwear. His behavior forces the reader to question the author’s view of Bill’s gender identity, including whether his envious attitude represents ambivalence about his masculinity.

He rummaged through the top drawer until he found a pair of panties and a brassiere. He stepped into the panties and fastened the brassier, then looked through the closet for an outfit.

Along with their individual experiences, the couple are drawn together by shared sexual desire, which grows after each entry into the other apartment. One day Bill comes home early from work.

“Let’s go to bed,” he said.
“Now?” she laughed. “What’s gotten into you?”

When he returns from the episode of transvestism, “that night they made love again.”