I am actually glad we are discussing the parents of this novel-in particular, the Captain. All the secondary readings we have discussed emphasized the importance of the family unit. Stay in the country with your family, obey your parents, do chores and learn the importance of hard work...yada yada yada. Know, call me nieve, but doesn't a "family" consist of 2 parents? Unless of course there is divorce, death, ect. I understand traditionally in the 19th century, and even today, gender responsibilities play a key role. But, we only see the back of Mr. Montgomery's head, so to speak. The "parental roles" have been placed soley on Mrs. Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery is more concerned with trying to get out of the country because of the lawsuit then with his family, "...said he must himself go speedily to France, and that now was her best opportunity; assuring her, however, that his circumstances would not permit him to take Ellen with them...". The Captain doesn't seem too much concerned with the responsibilities of fatherhood. He shows no signs of remorse for the inevitable separation between his daughter and wife.
Mrs. Montgomery on the other hand can not stand the idea of leaving Ellen, "She had at first absolutely refused to leave Ellen, when her husband proposed it; declaring that she would rather stay with her and die than take the chance if recovery with such a cost." Mrs. Montgomery, ultimately, is concerned that she may never she her daughter again. She realizes she could leave for Europe and not come back.
The context of the novel seems to portray the idea that parenting relies on maternal teachings. The father is the bread winner and the mother stays home to raise the children. Now, this theory is typical even today, but not to the extent of this novel. "The breakfast-table was still standing, and her father gone, when Ellen went down stairs..." Gone, gone, gone. He is never there. He can't even escort his daughter, whom he is about to abandon for quite some time, to live with his sister, "No my daughter. I'll not send you alone. But your father says it is impossible for him to take the journey at present..."
In The Wide, Wide World we understand the maternal role is the guiding light. The mother teaches the child to how to act as a proper lady, or gentlemen, manners, obedience, respect, ect. "And if you ever go an hour with a hole in your stocking, or a tear in your dress, or a string off your petticoat, I hope the sight of your work-box will make you blush." It is Mrs. Montgomery's duty as a mother to show Ellen how to conduct herself as a lady.
Ellen knows the different roles her parents have. She never asks for her fathers whereabouts; doesn't ever seemed concerned when he will be home from work; whines if he is gone long hours of the day, "But after breakfast it seemed to Ellen that her father never would go away. He took the newspaper, an uncommon thing for him, and pored over it most perseveringly, while Ellen was in a perfect fidget of impatience."
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I would have to only partly disagree with you on the part where you said that the father is the breadwinner and the mother is the caregiver (not in those exact words of course). In my life thus far, I have seen many times the reversal of those roles. My friend's dad was the one who stayed at home, my own great aunt is the breadwinner. Also my dad did not work full time while I was in elementary, my mom did. However they did switch once I went into middle school. So in a way I can agree with you but I believe it depends on where you are who is the breadwinner/caregiver.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I really like your writing style, as well as the ideas you write about. It's almost like you are simply having a conversation with the reader, in a way that they can relate to your every word. I really like what you said about how Ellen has gotten over the fact that her father is never around and makes the best of it by growing so close to her mother.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I feel the same way about the novel in the sense that the reader is supposed to focus on the maternal roles. The emphasis is placed on the relationship of Ellen and her mother. I also felt like Ellen isn't too bothered by the absence of her father in her life and uses the lack of that to add to her relationship with her mother. Good job!
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