In Joyce Carol Oates' "Beasts," the character Dominique possesses a collection of pills, reflective of a mindset common among her peers. One instance highlights this when she offers the narrator Benzedrine to lift their mood. The narrator, however, declines the offer, asserting a commitment to confronting reality without the aid of substances. This choice underscores a principle they have chosen to uphold in their life.

The narrator's reflection on this decision reveals a sense of uncertainty. They question if their choice to remain grounded and aware has been the right one. This internal conflict illustrates the struggle between the allure of escapism through drugs and the desire to face the complexities of real life with clarity and honesty.