Journal #3: The Wife

Irving’s short story “The Wife” is a prime example of how American men viewed women, marriage and economics. The man, Leslie, in the story sees his wife, Mary, as a delicate and dependent creature. He felt the only way to keep her completely happy in their marriage was to take care of her every need and give her the finest things in life. He wanted her to experience the fortunes of this world and she would never be able to without him. He even speculated that her life would “be like a fairy tale.” Then once he lost his fortune he became more and more depressed. He looked upon his friend, George, to give him some guidance in his desperation.  Leslie made it clear that he could not tell his wife in the fear that he would let her down and bring her into poverty. He did not believe that she would be able to withstand it but George eventually got him to tell her and she seemed even happier than before. He never once alluded to her being a strong individual and he just saw her as the weaker sex who needed to be cared for. He also thought that a more modest way of living would not be enough for her to be happy in their marriage. Leslie’s views on marriage, women and economics said that he believed only money brings happiness, women are weak and delicate and need to be taken care of, and the man must dote on his wife in order to keep her happy in marriage. However at the end of the short story, it was very clear to me that his wife did not need a fanciful way of living to be extremely happy. All she needed was the love of her husband.  I also saw her as a strong, independent woman who finds happiness in any circumstances.