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What is the theme of "Good People" by David Foster Wallace?

A major theme of David Foster Wallace's short story "Good People" is the tension between personal morality and practical decisions, and the resulting fear of hypocrisy. The story revolves around the relationship between two young Christians facing an unwanted pregnancy and contemplating the possibility of abortion, which their religious beliefs forbid. 19-year-old Lane feels the stress of the desire to maintain a positive relationship with God along with the fear of going to hell, and the necessity of abortion to allow him and his girlfriend Sheri to avoid shame and pursue the futures they planned for. Much of the story is told through Lane's contemplation: of Sheri, her plans to be a nurse, whether or not he loves her, and whether his relationship with her will result in him going to hell. He concludes that either decision they make, keeping a child out of wedlock or having an abortion, would go against their religious morality. The story ends without stating whether or not Sheri ends up having the abortion, instead finishing by examining Lane's fear and uncertainty. Ultimately the story conveys the tension between religious morality and the necessity of making decisions in life that oppose it, and examines the thought processes of a young couple trying to decide which choice they will make in opposition to their own morals.

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