"Greasy Lake" is a short story written by T. Coraghessan Boyle that was published in 1985. It is set in the summer of 1965 and follows the misadventures of three young men who are searching for adventure and trying to prove their toughness. The story is set at a place called Greasy Lake, which is a dirty and polluted body of water that is known for its rowdy and rebellious youth culture.
The story begins with the three main characters, known only as the narrator, Digby, and Jeff, driving to Greasy Lake in search of a party. They are dressed in leather jackets and have long hair, trying to embody the rebellious image of the "bad boys" they aspire to be. Upon arriving at the lake, they find that the party has been broken up by the police, so they decide to go for a swim in the lake to cool off.
As they swim in the polluted water, the three friends begin to confront their own mortality and the limitations of their youth. They are confronted with the harsh realities of the adult world, as they witness a fight between two men and come across a body in the lake. The body belongs to a man who has been beaten and left for dead, and the three friends are forced to confront the violent and dangerous world they have stumbled into.
Despite their initial attempts to be tough and rebellious, the three friends ultimately realize the futility of their actions and the consequences of their reckless behavior. They return home, shaken and humbled by their experiences at Greasy Lake.
"Greasy Lake" is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the dangers of seeking adventure and thrill-seeking. It serves as a cautionary tale for young people, reminding them of the importance of making responsible and thoughtful decisions. Through the misadventures of the three main characters, Boyle illustrates the dangers of trying to live up to an idealized and superficial image of toughness and rebellion. Instead, he suggests that true strength and maturity come from acknowledging and learning from one's mistakes and finding a sense of self that is not defined by external appearances or social norms.
