Individuals will usually compete with themselves or any forces of defiance to their opinions, competing with these challenges are usually mentally or physically displayed. In the story “The Lamp at Noon” by Sinclair Ross, Ellen created defensive responses to aspects of her life that she perceived to be a challenge. Ellen was faced with immense desperation for communication that was never satisfied. The frustration of not being able to provide a safe environment for her baby created further challenges and her troubled relationship with Paul did not help her present situation. Communication is extremely important in any relationship and the lack thereof will leave a void that could result in mental and physical depression. Ellen displayed communication deprivation when the author stated “from the window she went to the door opening it a little and peering toward the stable again. He was not coming yet.” This clearly shows that Ellen was alone and needed someone to talk to. Due to Paul’s constant absence Ellen would pace the floor in anticipation of his arrival. Ellen further showed desperation for communication when the author said “at noon he would come and perhaps after dinner stay with her a while.” This showed that Paul was not usually around for any long period; leaving Ellen alone with the baby did not do her mental stability any good. Just sitting and listening to a crying baby would eventually push her to challenge these forces of frustration. Ellen would at times count the minutes Paul was away. This displays a desperate need for association. The author, Sinclair Ross, explains Ellen’s frustration when Ellen said “He seemed a long time. Even the clock, still a few minutes off noon could not dispel a foreboding scene that he was longer than he should be. She went to the door again and then recoiled slowly to stand white and breathless in the middle of the room.” This quote showed that Ellen observed and was traumatized by every minute Paul was away and she spends alone with her baby. Individuals will experience frustration when faced with their hopelessness to control the environment around them. Most acts of nature that are environmentally destructive will create severe challenges to individuals. The author stated “There was dust sifting everywhere. Her own throat was parched with it. The table has been set less than 10 minutes, and already a film was gathered on the dishes, this vivid description of the atmosphere showed that Ellen had no control over what was happening. This must have created a sense of anxiety and frustration that Ellen’s physical and mental capability could not endure. The author further describe the atmosphere when she stated “there were two winds, the wind in flight and the wind that pursued, the one sought refuge in the eaves whimpering in fear, the other, a assailed in there and shook the eaves apart to make it flee again. Once as she listened this first wind sprang inside the room, distraught like a bird that has felt the graze of talons on his wing, while furious the other wing shook the walls and thudded tumble weeds against the window till its quarry glanced away again in fright.” This have created immense fright for Ellen knowing she had no control over these acts of nature and hence would act out her defiance in any way she could. A stable and supportive relationship can provide the necessary support and stability to endure external challenges and weather any storm. Weak relationships poses problems and parties involves will seek measures and means of ensuring that their opinions are respected and upheld. The author gave us an understanding of Ellen’s relationships with Paul when she is quoted by saying “yesterday, and again at breakfast this morning, they had quarreled bitterly. She wanted him now, the assurance of his strength and nearness.” This shows that Ellen displayed her opposition to Paul’s challenge by making statements she would later regret, these actions are natural