Analysis Of The Other Paris By Mavis Gallant

Within “The Other Paris," Mavis Gallant incorporates literary devices, and characterization of Carol and Howard, a flawed couple of the 1950s struck by the plague of loneliness, and the overwhelming pressure from society to marry. A production of marital events, which was based upon social statuses that altered the terms by which a healthy marriage is defined. Mavis Gallant provides exceptional social commentary through satire, irony, and characterization of the two soon to be married fools.

Like cattle is who is lead astray, Carol in this excerpt, is characterized as a very naive young woman who sits by believing that love is “like a geranium” and requires the proper conditions in order to thrive. During this tragic time period in her life “no one had proposed to her before,” except an “unsuitable” medical student who would’ve provided her with an endless amount of love, yet didn't provide the artificial requirements standardized by “helpful college lectures on marriage”. Having blamed the “illusion of love” within the film industry, Carol is viewed as very hypocritical believing that money is the answer to love, and the foundation of a successful marriage.

Howard on the other hand, is simplified to the definition of pathetic proposing over a three week period, not out of love, but out of utter fear and laziness to fulfill his social duty of getting married at his convenience.

The reader gets a glimpse into the social awkwardness when Howard orders wine instead of champagne, when in reality both would’ve preferred champagne but were to “diffident” to suggest it. You feel the uneasiness between the couple, due to the lack of common interests and the embarrassment emphasized over “a serious discussion of religious beliefs” even though both come from the same religion it was perceived as unnecessary in the societies eyes to discuss something else besides your own boring

life.
Gallant in this passage portrays his attitude with a sense of sarcasm when foreshadowing the unhappiness to come between the newly engaged couple by ironically stating, “ There was no reason for the engagement or the marriage to fail” when in reality there was a sufficient amount of reasons for this event to conclude with a divorce. Gallant’s derision toward Carols anxiety of being considered old at the mere age of twenty-two, is a great example of the insane pressure girls underwent during this time period to find their husband.
All in all, “The Other Paris” provides a flaw within the American society which redefines what it means to find true love during the 1950s.