Journal #3

In this story Leslie finds himself married to a woman with no fortune, yet beautiful and accomplished. He prides himself on that fact that he can provide his wife with his fortune, giving her everything she could ever want. But when fortune is reversed Leslie is unable to bring himself to tell his wife of their troubles. "His life was but protracted agony; and what rendered it more insupportable, was the necessity of keeping up a smile in the presence of his wife..." In this story Irving' s characters reflect certain values of woman during this time period. Leslie's friend encourages him to tell his wife of his trouble because "no man knows what a ministering angel she is-- until he has gone with her through the fiery trails of this world." Irving reflects and stresses the emotional importance a woman holds in a mans life and how a man must be able to turn to his wife in a time of need. It is not a sign of weakness nor failure on the mans part but he owes it to himself to share his life with his wife because one could ask, where would she be with out him? It is an interesting concept, the bonding of two people who ultimately share one life together. When the wife hears of the bad news she embraces her husband and loves him truly regardless of the situation and they go on to live happily ever after. This story reflects that importance of woman in a relationship and the ultimate power they posses with their loved ones.