Journal #3

In "The Wife", Irving's portrayal of women puts them in the backseat of society.  He states that women are "mere dependents and ornaments of man" and are there only to share in the prosperity of the man.  "And how, in the midst of applause, her eye would still turn to him, as if there alone she sought favour and acceptance". Wives are always seeking the approval of their husbands, no matter who else is giving it to them.  The relationship in times of prosperity involves the woman serving the man by basically looking good in the delicacies he provides.  But in times of misfortunes for the man, the women's role changes.  She is still supposed to serve him but now it is by being a crutch he can lean on.  A wife should become almost motherlike, becoming the "stay and solace" to support the "drooping head" and mend the "broken heart" the man will endure when he faces hardship.  And this is actually a very important role, according to Irving.  He says that men with a wife to console them are more likely to bounce back from hardships, namely economic ones.  He argues that womanly support stimulates the man to exertion by keeping their self respect alive and soothing their spirits. This brings to light  the saying that behind every great man there's a great woman.  Historically it is the men that come to prominence but in many cases it is women that are the foundation on which they do their work.