Human beings behave in a certain way due to intrinsic impulses that give them the impulse and drive to do so. A person without these drives which have commonly been referred to as ambitions, goals and aspirations in life is in most cases considered a social liability lacking both direction and purpose in life. This is a useless and meaningless life. It is life direction, burning aspirations, dreams and desires that drive individuals to pursue their goals unaware of the dangers, challenges and failures that swarm in the pursuit of their desires. Some will even stop at nothing to satisfy this burning desire. This could lead to people becoming violent, contemptuous, and getting involved in activities they wouldn't otherwise participate in. This article seeks to discuss the notion of desire through the lenses of three short stories: “The Swimmer” (Longing for Youth), “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Linging for Beauty), and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (Desire for lust and glances). Desire is something you cannot control and the nature of desire can lead to a person's ultimate destiny. In "The Swimmer", "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" we see that the characters' desires come at a costly price.DesireDesire is the motivation that catapults every mental script into action. it is the energy and power that makes movement possible. It inflames both men and women, the need to make incredible efforts to achieve their ultimate goal. It is a force that has chained many people into slavery due to its immense power and allure. Most people find it difficult to reign in their desires that continue to rule their minds, actions and lives. Desi…middle of the card…lust also drives one to satisfy no class or status in society, and can even lead “high and mighty” people to do things that don't benefit their status. This is observed by the queen's actions in the story “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. It is crucial to note that desire matures into an obsession that distances the individual from the realities of life by pushing him or her to do things that one would consider immoral and unethical. Work Cited Cheever, John. The swimmer. The art of storytelling.1976. 123-131.Grim, Jacob, and Grim, Wilhelm. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Network. June 5, 2012. .Avena, Joyce. Where are you going, where have you been? The art of storytelling. 664-675.William, Irvine. On desire: why we want what we want. New York: Oxford University Press,2006. 11-55.