As we have now read a number of the stories in the novel, today I outlined certain themes that tie these seemingly unconnected stories into a cohesive novel. We first studied the the theme of the illusion of piety(a term I defined),followed by the theme of failed marriages. Marcel examined the one successful marriage in the novel portrayed in the story"Paper Pills" astutely noting how the Doctor's ability to communicate his deepest thoughts to his wife solidifies the marriage even though he is much older than his young wife. I further pointed out how objects and settings in the novel often mirror the characters. For example, we studied the text in the story "Mother" and discussed how the description of Elizabeth Willard as gaunt, ghostly, and bloodless is reflected in the dilapidated ,ragged, rundown hotel she manages. Marcel discussed the cause of the strained marriage between Tom and Elizabeth Willard and how Elizabeth insists on her son having a life more vibrant than the existence she endures. Marcel inquired why Elizabeth comments the she does not want her
son, George, to be "successful" and we discussed how material success may not always yield fulfillment or happiness. For Elizabeth "success" is some form of artistic fulfillment . Marcel is maintaining a notebook reflecting our class discussions. For homework,- read the next story.