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TITLE:"A Journey by Edith Wharton"

2. REREAD Reread lines 7-23. What do the contrasting descriptions of
health and sickness suggest about the wife's relationship with her husband?
How does she describe her own reactions to her husband's health? Support
your answer with explicit textual evidence.

User Ashkru
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1 Answer

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Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

The contrasting descriptions of health and sickness in the passage suggest that the wife's relationship with her husband is strained and perhaps even distant. The husband's health is described as "miserable" and "pitiable," while the wife's health is characterized as "strong" and "unconquerable." This suggests that there is a significant power imbalance in the relationship, with the wife being the stronger and more capable partner.

The wife describes her own reactions to her husband's health as "inward revolt" and "resentment." She resents having to take care of her husband, feeling that it is an imposition on her own health and well-being. She says, "I had an inward revolt against the wretched invalidism which I had been born into, and which was slowly sapping the strength of the man I loved." This suggests that she is unhappy with the state of their relationship and the burdens placed upon her.

Additionally, the wife's description of her husband's illness as "incurable" and "hopeless" further underscores the difficulties in their relationship. It suggests that there is a sense of resignation and hopelessness on the part of both partners, with neither seeing a way out of their current situation.

Overall, the contrasting descriptions of health and sickness in the passage, along with the wife's own reactions to her husband's health, suggest that their relationship is troubled and marked by a sense of power imbalance and resentment.

User Tconbeer
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