The Country Husband

“‘It’s just like the Marne,’ someone said, but there was surprisingly little relaxation of that suspiciousness with which many Americans regard their fellow travelers.”

A survivor of the plane crash here refers to the Battle of the Marne, a significant battle fought during World War I. The parallel likens the plane crash to a momentous historical event, suggesting that the experience is of great import. The association with war specifically suggests that the plane crash represents the post-war trauma that many Americans struggled with in this era. The passage also underscores the theme of isolation. Despite the shared experience of the crash, the survivors struggle to connect and engage with one another. The “suspiciousness” that lingers among the passengers reflects the difficulty of opening up and forming authentic relationships, mirroring the broader societal dynamics of the suburban community.

“Francis asks Julia if the children couldn’t have their dinner earlier. Julia’s guns are loaded for this. She can’t cook two dinners and lay two tables. She paints with lightning strokes that panorama of drudgery in which her youth, her beauty, and her wit have been lost. Francis says that he must be understood; he was nearly killed in an airplane crash, and he doesn’t like to come home every night to a battlefield. Now Julia is deeply concerned. Her voice trembles. He doesn’t come home every night to a battlefield. The accusation is stupid and mean. Everything was tranquil until he arrived.” 

The quote reveals the underlying power dynamics and communication issues within the Weed marriage. Julia’s initial response indicates her frustration with the unequal division of household labor, suggesting resentment of the rigid gender roles that define their marriage. Francis, on the other hand, seeks understanding and a peaceful refuge at home after his traumatic experience. The quote also touches upon perception and subjectivity, laying the groundwork for the story’s exploration of Fantasy Versus Reality. Francis perceives the home environment as a battlefield in another nod to