A Taste of His Own Medicine

Author’s Note: This is a Text Analysis piece written about the unpublished story, Forever and Always His.  (This book can be found and read on wattpad.com.)

“Riley, please let me explain.”  Everett said, the look in his eyes showing that he was desperate.  “It wasn’t what it looked, I swear.”

This quote, taken directly from the book, is very meaningful to the plot of the story because it creates a strong mood of despair.  This conversation happens after Everett is caught with Riley’s so-called friend, Cassandra.  This means that Riley is going to be unforgiving by not listening to what Everett has to say.

I would say that this was an act of irony because Riley is usually the only one who believes Everett and has a lot of trust in him.  Don’t get me wrong though, I would’ve done the same thing if I were in her shoes or if I were put in the same situation.  I also believe that if others  were put in that situation they would be just as unforgiving, but the people that would stop and think about if they possibly misunderstood are the ones who I feel would’ve done what Riley didn’t.

Aside from the despair the readers feel Riley on the other hand must feel empowered by finally getting to give Everett a taste of his own medicine.  Everett never let Riley explain, never even took a glance in her direction for two years after not listening to what she had to say, now it was Riley’s turn and it must’ve felt amazing to be her in that moment.

Not only did Everett wittiness help Riley decide to take this ironic approach but Cassandra’s betrayal made it even clearer to Riley that it was the perfect solution.  Cassandra acted like her friend only to hurt her later and Riley’s best friend, Max, was played by her as well.  Cassandra made Max fall in love with her.  Riley knew at that moment she was only used and lost all respect for the both of them just as fast as Max fell in love with Cassandra.  Therefore the quote symbolizes that sometimes even the most genuine people want to get a taste of having the last word.