In the novel To the Lighthouse, two main characters named Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have an intriguing relationship with one another. Throughout the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay take alternative viewpoints on life, disagreeing frequently. For example, in the first chapter of the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay argue about what the forecast will be for tomorrow. However, there are certain times where the two of them have an unspoken interaction. They reveal their true feelings for one another, striving to protect each other from harm. While one may question the status of their relationship and as to whether it is good or even healthy, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay appear to be normal human beings who show various emotions and perceptions on life. Since the Ramsay’s …show more content…
Ramsay’s protection for his wife makes it so that their understanding for one another grows, which enables them to stay together and protect each other from harm. While Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have their differences, a specific quality holds their marriage together and provides hope for the future. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay remain together even after having eight children, which shows that even though there may be struggles with their relationship, there are times where the relationship is good and loving. Mrs. Ramsay wonders if Minta and Paul will have a successful marriage and be able to stay together like she does with her husband. She believes that “there was one quality -- she need not name it -- which was essential: the thing she had with her husband” (54). Since their marriage had not failed yet, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay need to possess something to keep them from falling apart. She believes, in particular, one quality keeps them from falling apart. They understand each other and do not need to verbally communicate with one another. Out of their mutual understanding for each other, they do not disturb one another when it looks as though the other person should not be bothered because he or she is deep in thought. This quality keeps their marriage afloat and allows for a few moments where affection towards one another becomes evident. One of these instances is when Mrs. Ramsay believes that others are much prettier than she. However, Mr. Ramsay says, “Somebody else was …show more content…
and Mrs. Ramsay have a complicated and ambiguous relationship. While Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay seem to have moments where their feelings for each other appear to be genuine, there are multiple moments where the status of their relationship can be questioned as to whether or not they actually love each other. However, there is a quality in their marriage, which keeps them together, one that is unspoken. While they may not tell each other “I love you ”, their feelings for one another can be seen briefly. Overall, the Ramsay’s relationship shows periods of both love and criticism towards one another making their marriage appear to be similar to a roller coaster ride, filled with moments of happiness one minute and anguish the
The book Fifth Business by Robertson Davies is written from the point of view of the narrator; a man named Dunstable Ramsay. From the readers’ perspective, we see him to be the main character, but as the novel progresses, he and those he encounters start to see him as fifth business. The novel shows and follows Dunstan Ramsay in his pursuit for self-knowledge, and ultimately fulfilling his role as ‘Fifth Business’ in the eyes of a number of people. It is evident that throughout the novel, he reminds himself and the reader that in fact his life and the lives of those who are close to him do not necessarily revolve around him however he still plays a large part in influencing their respective lives. The novel constantly shows instances where guilt and competition play roles in shaping character’s decisions.
Even the most durable substances can fall apart. Marriage, a structure built upon the union of two people for eternity, can be destroyed—especially when the two feel threatened by the inevitable stress and frustration that follows. Eric Bartels, an author for the Portland Tribune, wrote in his article, My Problem With Her Anger, about receiving anger from his wife and his own discontent in his marriage. Bartels establishes his opinion that fundamental differences between men and women can deter marriage, through his use of strands and diction to describe reactions to stress from marriage based on gender; however, with his use of generalizations and loaded language to attack the female audience, his claim is limited.
Helen is a disgruntled housewife, she doesn’t support Harry in his plans to create a safe haven inside of the cellar. When Harry attempts to set a plan in motion, she seems to be against him and proceeds to scold him. The scenario of Karen, their daughter being ill, may have contributed to her attitude towards Harry. Unable to come to a unanimous decision on the appropriate approach to handle Karen’s illness and as well as the ongoing crisis around them, they foster a bitter attitude towards one another. According to the authors Thomas N. Bradbury and Frank D. Fincham there is a reason for that. It states that… “One explanation for this apparent gender difference is that, compared to husbands' attributions, wives' attributions are rooted more firmly in the events and circumstances of the marriage. If wives' attributions are indeed more accurate or well developed representations of partner behaviors, then their attributions will be linked more closely to the behaviors they display in interaction when discussing some of those partner behaviors.”(Bradbury and Fincham 574). All things considered, Helen’s and Harry’s portrayal cast their marriage under the ‘dysfunctional marriage’ category.
The relationship between the husband and wife seems initially to be perfect. They both show each other expressions of love. There is understanding, harmony, financial security, and good communication between them. The couple spends a lot of time together, discussing future plans, and talking about the good moments they had in the past. However, behind all of this positive interaction between the two of them is something they are both not able
Research of literature depends on the theory or topic one is researching. Research uncovers what the author knows about his or her discipline and its practices. Augustus Napier is a family therapist with vast experience in family therapeutic processes and experiential therapy with couples. In my research of his background, I reviewed his book “The Family Crucible.” In this text, Dr. Napier chronicles the therapeutic process of one fictitious family (which is a composite of real cases) experiencing marital discord. In reviewing the case studies in this book, I gained insight into his style of the therapeutic process, which exposed Dr. Napier’s framework which leads to his assumptions about marriage. The details of this case study coupled with Dr. Napier’s added paragraphs and chapters of analyses with his conclusions on the maladaptive reasons people marry other people make this resource of great qualitative value. Additionally, useful evaluative data revealing a deeper insight into Dr. Napier’s position on irreconcilable differences can be fo...
Thus, he felt a distinct tension between his imperfect love for his wife, and hers
Furthermore, the love that Heathcliff’s young niece and nephew share is one that echoes that of what his and Catherine’s love could have been, which provides even more ground for the fiend to tyrannize the two. The semblence in their relationships can be seen in comparable scenes, the first of which recounts Catherine uttering, “It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now…” (74) Later, Heathcliff pronounces apropos of Cathy caring for Hareton, “Your love will make him an outcast, and a beggar.” (299) The similarities between their two relationships is therefore outlined in their alluded elements of shame and social degradation that can be found in both occasions , and this likeness further agitates the aching heart of Wuthering Height’s antagonist.
In class there have been many discussions over the relationships and marriages among the books we have read. When someone thinks of marriage, a fairy tale with a happy ending might come to mind, or possibly a safe haven for those looking for something stable. In The Awakening by Kate Chopin, and “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, marriage takes a turn for the worse. Marriage is no longer the happy memories in a lifetime. It can be the thing that hinders the women in these stories from developing their full potential or experiencing the world and other lifestyles. Through these texts and this time frame, we will analyze the meaning of their marriages, how they function, and the end result of both.
Catherine and Heathcliff have had an indisputable connection from the very beginning of the story. A special connection Catherine doesn’t want to admit to, but truly knows it’s there. From their exuberant adventures on the moors, to them making memories in the same household, and eventually Heathcliff’s desire for Catherine’s ghost to haunt him. It’s obvious they would’ve spent the rest of their waking moments together if it wasn’t for their difference in status. Otherwise, they could live the life they are supposed to live. Everything from how compatible and seemingly destined they are for each other, to the unfortunate turn of events that undoubtedly keep them apart. Their lifelong relationship plays a vital role in understanding this story and is expressed through the novel’s use of
There are always problems in every relationship, in every marriage. With strong communication, acceptance and a love for one another, these challenges can be overcome. In Margaret Laurence's Manawaka Cycle, the characters all have enormous problems in their relationships. In the books The Stone Angel, The Fire-Dwellers, and The Diviners, the characters' marriages all have varying degrees of trouble. However, through hard work and perseverance, the partners survive and grow. Each relationship in these books has two or three problems, that when combined, become daunting. However, the characters' real problem is that they are alone in their marriage. Margaret Laurence states that "men and women suffer equally; the tragedy is not that they suffer, but that they suffer alone."1 These men and women are alone, not communicating nor respecting each other, which leads to personal problems in and in their confidence in themselves and each other.
Theo’s hope for intimacy occasionally fades in reminiscent moments of his past marriage to Catherine. Soon after meeting Sam, a melancholy scene of Theo in bed reveals his loss of hope. The low-key lighting restricts vision of his troubled face, and soon cuts to a flashback. In this moment of vulnerability, Theo dreams of the high point of his past relationship indicated by the presence of red chairs, pillows, and clothing. Catherine and Theo’s bubbly, loving relationship is accentuated by the warm tones in the frame. Though these bright, intimate flashbacks are juxtaposed against the equally gloomy and hopeless ones Theo later has. As Sam reads an urgent email pertaining to divorce papers served to Theo, his mind races back to moments of hardship within his past relationship. We see quick cuts of fighting, resentment, and anger highlighted by a lack of red, revealing the loss of intimacy between the couple as their relationship crumbles. The emotions felt through each flashback are revealed further as Theo finally meets with Catherine to sign the divorce documents. In a frame consisting of white, black, and cool tones, the loss of hope for intimacy is immediately present. Catherine reveals to Theo that the ease of his technology-based relationship is only a result of his inability to deal with what is “real” in a relationship. The
of marriage, nor the ties of kinship can contain keep it under control. A perfect
married. However, “for pragmatic reasons, the author’s conclusions favor marriage as the ultimate solution, but her pairings predict happiness” (“Austen, Jane”). Als...
Mr. Ramsey makes excuses for not becoming intellectually enlightened in the same vain that he makes excuses for not sailing to the Lighthouse. Mrs. Ramsey is the ideal wife and mother. She uses her love to create and build, not in the physical sense, but more in the sense of relationship, community, and hope building. She is perhaps the most successful of the characters, in that her goals are what she feels she has become her goal: one who helps people, brings them together, and infuses them with hope and love.... ... middle of paper ...
with the initial killing, he loves his wife and wants to make her happy. She is the