4 ms·

> If something will make your partner happy, why not do it? Good practical advice, but my take is that the point of the story is to play on the irony that they

> If something will make your partner happy, why not do it? Good practical advice, but my take is that the point of the story is to play on the irony that they were both making the same error. They were both acting out of incompatible irrational instinct, the man and his lust, and the woman and her possessiveness, neither willing to sacrifice it for the sake of the other. Even going as far as to win the other over, the man through rational argument, the woman through emotional appeal. It's a very elaborate and realistic tension.

wolverine876 3y ago
As I said, the practical advice wasn't the point of the story itself. Regarding the story, I don't know that I quite see it like you do: Michael confirms to Frances that he will cheat on her someday. Frances suspected that, and connects the oggling to it; it's not especially possessive to object.
- disambiguation 3y ago
  Maybe possessive isn't the right word, but she wants to be the "sole object of his desire." I call this an irrational instinct because she continues to want this in spite of Michael's cruel confession. Frances has a right and reason to object, but she never considers the option of leaving, arguably the most rational course of action. That said, I dont think there is a single objective truth in fictions like this, but it's certainly interesting to hear all the different interpretations!
  - wolverine876 3y ago
    > That said, I dont think there is a single objective truth in fictions like this, but it's certainly interesting to hear all the different interpretations! Yes, indeed, that is the point. I am not asserting that I'm 'right'. I think we are coming together on the interpretation. I see most of what you said. To me the story depicts the trade-offs made for the relationship. Is it rational to leave? Frances won't find a relationship which isn't messy and require compromise (I'm not excusing Michael at all).

wolverine876 3y ago

As I said, the practical advice wasn't the point of the story itself. Regarding the story, I don't know that I quite see it like you do: Michael confirms to Frances that he will cheat on her someday. Frances suspected that, and connects the oggling to it; it's not especially possessive to object.

disambiguation 3y ago
Maybe possessive isn't the right word, but she wants to be the "sole object of his desire." I call this an irrational instinct because she continues to want this in spite of Michael's cruel confession. Frances has a right and reason to object, but she never considers the option of leaving, arguably the most rational course of action. That said, I dont think there is a single objective truth in fictions like this, but it's certainly interesting to hear all the different interpretations!
- wolverine876 3y ago
  > That said, I dont think there is a single objective truth in fictions like this, but it's certainly interesting to hear all the different interpretations! Yes, indeed, that is the point. I am not asserting that I'm 'right'. I think we are coming together on the interpretation. I see most of what you said. To me the story depicts the trade-offs made for the relationship. Is it rational to leave? Frances won't find a relationship which isn't messy and require compromise (I'm not excusing Michael at all).