ENG353Y1 Lecture : Mavis Gallant - The Moslem Wife
Document Summary
Netta portrayed as being devoted and subservient, jack as the golden boy, through the eyes of guests. Her new years during the war teach her about mediocrity, trauma. 1945-return of jack, considers freedom of whether or not to take jack back: netta"s development does she grow, initially lifeless and blank. Asha-ash after fire burns, what is left after passion burns out. Only her eyes had a pilot light, something perhaps jack can ignite. Very worn out, either underdeveloped, or past her prime. Her life and emotions are neatly compartmentalized (p42). Private, inside vs. outside, head vs. passion of her heart. Color imagery used to depict and contrast these categories. Complexion = ashen- white, but assigns herself black (p44). Also something v. static about netta, and takes for granted jack had the same views as her (p39). She doesn"t read initially, indifferent reader of books and character (p46). P40-attire she"s perfectly dressed, but jack doesn"t care.
