It is quite clear that Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier do not have any interest in their relationship from an intimacy standpoint. It can be presumed that Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier's relationship was arranged most likely based off of a dowry of some sort. It can also be assumed that Mr. Pontellier was contented with this arrangement but now does not see any value in because he has already reaped the financial benefits. "You are burnt beyond recognition," he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage"(Chopin 44). Notice Chopin writes that Mrs. Pontellier's husband sees his wife as a valuble piece of property. Normally, when you acquire a valuable piece of property, you are quite proud of yourself for obtaining this piece. This goes to show that Mr. Pontellier must have appreciated his wife at some point. Just like anything piece of property, these things can depreciate. All this leads up to the ultimate question. Can people depreciate? Is it possible that after being so proud of taking someone's hand in marriage, being able to talk about all of the great things they have accomplished, how good looking they are; after spending all of these years with them, helping them and being with them, for you to no longer care about this person? Can people really depreciate or do your interests just change?
I agree with you that it is possible for someone to look at something they once valued a lot at a much lower standard the longer that they have it. It could be that they suddenly realize the true value and then decide to stop worshipping it so much, or that they simply just stop caring and move onto something else. Either way, I can see why you would ask if a person can depreciate or not.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mrs. Pontellier might only be in the marriage for money. But, she may also have to stay in the marriage because a divorce was hard to get back in those times. If Mr Pontellier sees his wife as property, they cant possibly have a happy marriage.
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