Appearance
Excerpt
Excerpt from The Man Between: An International Romance, by Amelia E. Barr
“I wouldn’t care a farthing for a wife without a bit of temper. There
would be no fun in living with a woman of that kind. My father would
droop and pine if mother didn’t spur him on now and then. And he likes
it. Don’t I know? I’ve seen mother snappy and awkward with him all
breakfast time, tossing her head, and rattling the china, and declaring
she was worn out with men that let all the good bargains pass them;
perhaps making fun of us because we couldn’t manage to get along without
strikes. She had no strikes with her hands, she’d like to see her women
stand up and talk to her about shorter hours, and so on; and father
would look at me sly-like, and as we walked to the mill together he’d
laugh contentedly and say, ‘Your mother was quite refreshing this
morning, John Thomas. She has keyed me up to a right pitch. When
Jonathan Arkroyd comes about that wool he sold us I’ll be all ready
for him.’ So you see I’m not against a sharp temper. I like women as
Tennyson says English girls are, ‘roses set round with little wilful
thorns,’ eh?”
Unusual as this conversation was, its general tone was assumed by Ethel
in her confidential talk with Ruth the following day. Of course, Ruth
was not at all surprised at the news Ethel brought her, for though the
lovers had been individually sure they had betrayed their secret to
no one, it had really been an open one to Ruth since the hour of their
meeting. She was sincerely ardent in her praises of Tyrrel Rawdon,
but--and there is always a but--she wondered if Ethel had “noticed what
a quick temper he had.”
“Oh, yes,” answered Ethel, “I should not like him not to have a quick
temper. I expect my husband to stand up at a moment’s notice for either
mine or his own rights or opinions.”
Explanation
Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from The Man Between: An International Romance by Amelia E. Barr
Context of the Source
Amelia E. Barr (1831–1919) was a prolific British-American novelist known for her romantic and historical fiction. The Man Between: An International Romance (1901) is a novel that explores themes of love, class, gender dynamics, and industrial society in late 19th-century England and America. The excerpt provided focuses on a conversation about marital expectations, particularly regarding temperament in relationships.
The passage features two key interactions:
- John Thomas (likely a working-class mill owner’s son) discussing his parents’ marriage and his own preferences in a wife.
- Ethel and Ruth discussing Ethel’s romantic interest, Tyrrel Rawdon, and his temperamental nature.
Themes in the Excerpt
Gender Roles and Marital Dynamics
- The text reflects Victorian-era expectations of marriage, where a woman’s "temper" (spirit, assertiveness) is seen as both a challenge and a necessity.
- John Thomas admires his mother’s sharpness because it "spurs" his father into action, suggesting that a passive wife would be dull.
- Ethel, similarly, values a man with a "quick temper" because she expects him to defend their rights—implying that assertiveness is a masculine virtue.
Class and Industrial Society
- The reference to strikes and wool bargains situates the characters in an industrial setting, where labor disputes and business negotiations are part of daily life.
- John Thomas’ father is "keyed up" by his wife’s sharpness, preparing him for business dealings—suggesting that domestic tension fuels professional success.
Romantic Idealism vs. Practicality
- Ruth, though supportive of Ethel’s romance, introduces a note of caution ("but—she wondered if Ethel had noticed what a quick temper he had").
- Ethel, however, idealizes this trait, seeing it as a sign of strength rather than a flaw.
Literary Devices & Stylistic Choices
Dialogue as Characterization
- John Thomas’ speech is colloquial and lively, using phrases like "snappy and awkward," "tossing her head," and "rattling the china" to paint a vivid picture of his mother’s fiery personality.
- His reference to Tennyson’s "roses set round with little wilful thorns" (from "The Princess") reinforces the idea that women should be beautiful but also spirited—an idealized Victorian trope.
Irony & Humor
- The scene where John Thomas’ father "laughs contentedly" after his wife’s outburst is ironic—what seems like conflict is actually a source of amusement and motivation.
- The phrase "Your mother was quite refreshing this morning" suggests that marital friction is not just tolerated but enjoyed as a stimulant.
Foreshadowing & Subtext
- Ruth’s hesitation ("but—she wondered if Ethel had noticed what a quick temper he had") hints at potential future conflict in Ethel and Tyrrel’s relationship.
- Ethel’s response ("I should not like him not to have a quick temper") suggests she may later face challenges if his temper proves destructive rather than protective.
Significance of the Passage
Challenging Passive Feminine Ideals
- The text subverts the Victorian expectation that women should be meek and submissive. Instead, a "sharp temper" is framed as desirable—both in wives (who keep their husbands alert) and in husbands (who defend their family’s interests).
Reflecting Industrial-Era Values
- The comparison of marital dynamics to business negotiations ("keyed up to a right pitch") mirrors the competitive, high-energy atmosphere of industrial capitalism.
- The mention of strikes and labor disputes ties personal relationships to broader social tensions.
Romantic Realism
- While Ethel romanticizes Tyrrel’s temper, Ruth’s skepticism introduces a note of realism—suggesting that what seems charming now may become problematic later.
Key Takeaways from the Text Itself
- John Thomas’ Perspective: He sees marital conflict as stimulating and productive, not harmful. His father’s enjoyment of his mother’s sharpness implies that passion (even in the form of arguments) keeps a marriage alive.
- Ethel’s Idealism: She mirrors John Thomas’ views, believing a man’s temper is a sign of strength. Her confidence contrasts with Ruth’s caution, setting up potential future drama.
- Ruth’s Pragmatism: Her "but" introduces doubt, suggesting that while passion is exciting, it may also be volatile—a common tension in romantic literature.
Conclusion
This excerpt captures Victorian-era gender dynamics, industrial society’s influence on personal relationships, and the tension between romantic idealism and practical concerns. Through vivid dialogue, irony, and literary allusions, Barr presents a nuanced view of marriage—one where conflict is not just inevitable but desirable, as long as it serves a purpose. The passage also sets up future developments in Ethel and Tyrrel’s relationship, hinting at both the allure and the risks of a "quick temper."