What Is the Level of Martha's Emotion?

            Both “Two Friends” and “Martha’s Lady” feature a select two characters that, in today’s point of view, could be considered to be involved in a homoerotic affair.  While the evidence of the text does certainly appear to support this notion, I am still on the fence as to whether or not this was the author’s true intent.  However, in this week’s reading of “Martha’s Lady”, I am more inclined to believe that, perhaps, the two main characters were romantically involved.

            With the author giving inner dialogue such as, “To lose out of sight the friend whom one has loved and lived to please is to lose joy out of life”, it is quite difficult to imagine this friendship, or relationship, to be anything but romantic (Jewett 880).  Martha clearly shows the symptoms of a broken heart throughout the short story.  She mentions quite frequently during her separation from Helena that she thinks of her every day, and she ritually holds the box containing contents that remind her of the love she carries.  Helena even appears to return the sentiment with the closing line in the story when she states, “Oh, my dear Martha!  Won’t you kiss me good-night?  Oh, Martha, have you remembered like this, all these long years!” (888).  One could argue that individuals in previous centuries displayed emotion on a more comfortable and physical manner, however, Martha’s words seem to transcend that notion.

            When we read “Two Friends” last week, I felt as though the idea of a homosexual relationship between the two characters was plausible, yet unlikely.  However, I could clearly see in this story evidence of such a connection.  Although Helena does not appear to show as much emotion as Martha, I believe that Martha clearly loves Helena on a level higher than just a mere friendship.  Either way, this story beautifully illustrates a love that endures through time.  Whether or not the relationship is indeed a homosexual one, it is still endearing, even if it is a slow read.