Compromise In The Painted Door

Can there be no love without compromise? Must one always conform to the needs of their partner to keep the flame of love and passion ablaze? In the short story, “The Painted Door” by Sinclair Ross the idea of compromise is demonstrated through the character of Ann – the wife of a farmer – who believes that it is the sacrifice of her happiness that is responsible for the wellbeing of their marriage. However, such thoughts can lead to the buildup of emotions within an individual. Emotions that later lead to the development of rebellious thoughts through Ann’s mind. Demonstrating that if one is forced to compromise their happiness they may choose to pursue this happiness elsewhere. Evidence of which was displayed throughout the story from Ann’s

dull attitude towards John, to her rebellious thoughts regarding Steven and finally her actions leading up to Johns death.
It is this idea of compromise that leads to a successful relationship. However, as one progresses throughout the story it is quite evident that the idea of compromise between Ann and John is about two very different things. To John the idea of compromise was to devote his life to Ann and to build a mortgage free farm for him and Ann to spend the rest of their lives on as demonstrated by “He wanted a mortgage-free farm; then a new house and pretty clothes for her” (Ross 291). Ann’s idea of compromise however was to conform to Johns every need for the wellbeing of their marriage. An idea that the two may have developed without ever it conversing upon; portraying to the reader the lack of communication that may have added to the development of these conflicting ideals.