When considering the content of the three short stories "Tickets Please", "Hands", and "My Oedipus Complex", it is evident that the main conflict falls into the sexual category. Sexual conflict plays a major role in analyzing the situations in the three stories as well as in determining the meaning of the language. Although the examples of sexual conflict may not be directly implied in some of the stories, indirect allusions to such conflicts throughout the stories make it easier for the reader to recognize them.
One of the unsurpassed examples of sexual conflict can be reflected in the story "Tickets Please", by D. H. Lawrence. Set during the time of World War I, this story explores the situation of women in the tram system, which, because the men are away fighting in the war, is entirely conducted by girls. One man, however, stays behind for an unknown reason.
English: First edition title page
English: Signature of Sherwood Anderson
English: Photo of author Sherwood Anderson.His name is John Thomas and he is the talk of the town.
There is considerable scandal about John Thomas in half a dozen villages. He flirts with the girl conductors in the morning, and walks out with them in the dark night, when they leave their tram-car at the depot. Of course, the girls quit the service frequently. Then he flirts with the newcomer: always providing she is sufficiently attractive, and that she will consent to walk (509, Lawrence).
Annie, the protagonist, had managed to keep away from him for many months, but she eventually fell for his charm. As there relationship progressed, Annie began to take an "intelligent interest" in him. As soon as he became aware that his relationship with Annie was becoming more serious, he left her. Desperate to seek vengeance, Annie convinced the other girls, possibly the ones who had also "fallen"...