How do the characters' actions and decisions reflect their personal desires versus societal norms?
It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains drawn
and the smouldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the room was
full of deep shadows.
Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did
not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as
ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight.
She was very handsome, with a certain fine, rich coloring that belongs
to the healthy brune type. She was quite composed, as she idly stroked the
satiny coat of the cat that lay curled in her lap, and she occasionally sent a
slow glance into the shadow where her companion sat. They were talking
low, of indifferent things which plainly were not the things that occupied
their thoughts. She knew that he loved her—a frank, blustering fellow
without guile enough to conceal his feelings, and no desire to do so. For
two weeks past he had sought her society eagerly and persistently. She
was confidently waiting for him to declare himself and she meant to
accept him. The rather insignificant and unattractive Brantain was
enormously rich; and she liked and required the entourage which wealth
could give her.
During one of the pauses between their talk of the last tea and the next
reception the door opened and a young man entered whom Brantain knew
quite well. The girl turned her face toward him. A stride or two brought
him to her side, and bending over her chair—before she could suspect his
intention, for she did not realize that he had not seen her visitor—he
pressed an ardent, lingering kiss upon her lips.
Brantain slowly arose; so did the girl arise, but quickly, and the
newcomer stood between them, a little amusement and some defiance
struggling with the confusion in his face.
"I believe," stammered Brantain, "I see that I have stayed too long. I—I
had no idea—that is, I must wish you good-by." He was clutching his hat
with both hands, and probably did not perceive that she was extending her
hand to him, her presence of mind had not completely deserted her; but
she could not have trusted herself to speak.
"Hang me if I saw him sitting there, Nattie! I know it's deuced awkward
for you. But I hope you'll forgive me this once—this very first break.
Why, what's the matter?"
"Don't touch me; don't come near me," she returned angrily. "What do
you mean by entering the house without ringing?"
"I came in with your brother, as I often do," he answered coldly, in selfjustification. "We came in the side way. He went upstairs and I came in
here hoping to find you. The explanation is simple enough and ought to
satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable. But do say that you
forgive me, Nathalie," he entreated, softening.
"Forgive you! You don't know what you are talking about. Let me pass.
It depends upon—a good deal whether I ever forgive you."
At that next reception which she and Brantain had been talking about
she approached the young man with a delicious frankness of manner when
she saw him there.
"Will you let me speak to you a moment or two, Mr. Brantain?" she
asked with an engaging but perturbed smile. He seemed extremely
unhappy; but when she took his arm and walked away with him, seeking a
retired corner, a ray of hope mingled with the almost comical misery of
his expression. She was apparently very outspoken.
"Perhaps I should not have sought this interview, Mr. Brantain; but—
but, oh, I have been very uncomfortable, almost miserable since that little
encounter the other afternoon. When I thought how you might have
misinterpreted it, and believed things"—hope was plainly gaining the
ascendancy over misery in Brantain's round, guileless face—"Of course, I
know it is nothing to you, but for my own sake I do want you to
understand that Mr. Harvy is an intimate friend of long standing. Why,
we have always been like cousins—like brother and sister, I may say. He
is my brother's most intimate associate and often fancies that he is
entitled to the same privileges as the family. Oh, I know it is absurd,
uncalled for, to tell you this; undignified even," she was almost weeping,
"but it makes so much difference to me what you think of—of me." Her
voice had grown very low and agitated. The misery had all disappeared
from Brantain's face.
"Then you do really care what I think, Miss Nathalie? May I call you
Miss Nathalie?" They turned into a long, dim corridor that was lined on
either side with tall, graceful plants. They walked slowly to the very end
of it. When they turned to retrace their steps Brantain's face was radiant
and hers was triumphant.
Harvy was among the guests at the wedding; and he sought her out in a
rare moment when she stood alone.
"Your husband," he said, smiling, "has sent me over to kiss you."
A quick blush suffused her face and round polished throat. "I suppose
it's natural for a man to feel and act generously on an occasion of this
kind. He tells me he doesn't want his marriage to interrupt wholly that
pleasant intimacy which has existed between you and me. I don't know
what you've been telling him," with an insolent smile, "but he has sent me
here to kiss you."
She felt like a chess player who, by the clever handling of his pieces,
sees the game taking the course intended. Her eyes were bright and tender
with a smile as they glanced up into his; and her lips looked hungry for
the kiss which they invited.
"But, you know," he went on quietly, "I didn't tell him so, it would have
seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I've stopped kissing women; it's
dangerous."
Well, she had Brantain and his million left. A person can't have
everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect
it.
Do you think Nathalie's choices are justified given her circumstances? Why or why not?
1 answer
Nathalie's choices can be analyzed through the lens of her personal desires and societal norms, which creates a complex character dynamic.
Personal Desires: Nathalie is portrayed as a woman who seeks security, stability, and social standing, all of which are provided by Brantain's wealth. Her attraction to him is not based on love; instead, it is more about the lifestyle his money can afford her. At the same time, there is an emotional connection with Mr. Harvy, which indicates that she has personal desires beyond financial security. Her decision to ultimately accept Brantain suggests a willingness to prioritize her societal obligations over her romantic inclinations.
Societal Norms: During the time in which the narrative is set, societal norms often dictated that women marry for security rather than for love. Nathalie’s choice to accept Brantain aligns with these norms, as he satisfies the societal expectation of providing a comfortable life. However, it also reflects a glaring conflict. While she navigates social expectations, she grapples with her feelings for Harvy, who embodies a more passionate and intimate relationship. The fact that she is willing to excuse Harvy’s behavior indicates her struggle to balance her own desires with the perceptions of society.
Justification of Choices: Whether Nathalie's choices are justified hinges on how one views the importance of love versus social security. On one hand, her choice to accept Brantain can be seen as sensible given the societal pressures on women of her time. Many women had limited choices and were often forced to prioritize financial stability over emotional connection. From this perspective, her actions are understandable. On the other hand, there is an argument to be made that by accepting the proposal of a man she does not love, she compromises her own happiness. It raises questions about authenticity and self-sacrifice in the face of social expectations.
In conclusion, Nathalie’s choices result from a complex interplay of personal desires and societal expectations. While her decision to marry Brantain may be considered justified in context, it reveals the tension between her true feelings and the constraints imposed by society, leading to a life that might be materially secure yet emotionally unfulfilled.
1 answer