Friday, February 24, 2012
Mr Spring Fragrance
I think one of the most interesting aspects of in the story "Mrs. Spring Fragrance" is the insecurity that Mr. Spring Fragrance exhibits. What he overhears during the conversation between his wife and Laura seems to be the first thing that sends him on a downward spiral causing him to question his wife's love for him. His cousin's letter does not help matters when he writes "but if women are allowed to stray at will from under their husband's mullberry roofs, what is to prevent them from becoming butterflies?"(510) After he read his cousin's letter he began to question his wife's intentions for staying an extra week in San Francisco. "Then he became very thoughtful. was the making of American fudge sufficient reason for a wife to remain a week longer in a city where her husband was not?" The question was brought up on the blog about where did his jealousy stem from? I have to argue that what Mr. Spring Fragrance is exhibiting is not jealousy but it is more about personal insecurity? I like that the author incorporates this aspect of his character in her story. I think too often we see males in domineering roles, whether its in a novel or a film, because society says that men should poses these characteristics. I think its good Far is sending the message that men have weaknesses too.
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I have no doubt that Mr. Spring Fragrance exhibits a deep insecurity about the sanctity of his marriage. I think that it is more important to recognize, however, the catalyst for his troubles (rather than the cause). Firstly, I believe that there is always insecurity in marriage (whether it is too small to notice or be worthy of conscious thought, or prevalent enough to cause deep concern). It is natural for Mr. Spring Fragrance to feel a small amount of insecurity about his wife because he truly loves her and does not want to lose her. What is especially notable in this work, is the magnitude of Mr. Spring Fragrance's insecurity. I think that his lack of confidence is emphasized by the "Americanization" of his wife. As he is the only one who has not fully identified with American culture, it seems that he is alone in America. His apprehensions, therefore, are understandable. He is out of his comfort zone, and he is anxious about losing the one comfort that he has to cling to (Mrs. Spring Fragrance).
ReplyDeleteSee my comment under Heather's questions for a highly speculative answer.
ReplyDeletehttp://engl360spring2012.blogspot.com/2012/02/questions-for-224_3736.html
I complete agree with Matt in his comment in reference to your post. I think that his issue is a personal insecurity that is in himself because he does not want to lose his wife.
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