Undying Spirit Images of women in Literature
Undying Spirit-Images of women in LiteratureThe Undying Spirit
Images of Women in Literature
The wives of Images of Women in Literature have the common thread of a resilient independent spirit often despite any outward show of anything but obedience and humility. This spirit at times helps to sustain them while at other times only makes the compromises that their husbands and society place on them even harder to bear. Indeed, they would be happier not realizing that there are other choices and opportunities. It is often the conflict between their spirits and the circumstances of their lives that causes the greatest problems to them. It is truly amazing that this spirit survives!
It is not that unlikely for Mrs. James in Elizabeth Phelps’ “The Angel over the Right Shoulder” to cultivate independence with an indulgent husband like Mr. James. Her spirit of independence is out in the open with her quest for some private time to improve her mind. The fact is that however willing Mr. James is to indulge her with some time to herself, he offers little in way of any practical help, much like the man of today. She suggests he “just follow me around for one day” when he dismisses all the work she does by telling her, “if you arranged your work systematically, you would find that you could command your time” (29-30). Instead of taking her suggestion, or better yet taking over the work himself, he meditates on the problem while she finishes the chore of trimming the lamp. He sets the terms of her private time and says, “let the work that is undone, go undone,” but without even thinking interrupts her when he needs a button sewn on (30).
While “The Angel Over the Right Shoulder” ends on New Year’s Eve with Mrs. James happily giving up her independence and “undefined yearning,” one is left with the impression her emotion will pass as quickly as the average New Year’s resolution and her quest for freedom will return (36). Most of the wives of Images of Women in Literature have to live with those whose needs take precedent over anything the wife may desire. Unfortunately they aren’t always selfishly oppressive in Mr. James’ more kindly, unthinking manner.
The wife of Jane Augustine’s “Secretive” has a much more difficult atmosphere in which any spirit could survive. She still tries to be the understanding wife that society dictates while living with a husband who abuses her both physically and emotionally. She continues to examine herself hoping to find the faults she believes her husband must see, and thus correct them. Above all, she must keep the secret of his abuse. In her self-scrutiny, she discovers that “she’s full of senseless anger” and feels that “her feelings aren’t right” (73). The conflict between being a good accepting wife and her inner spirit filled with...
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