Journal Posting #3. A Woman's Gift.

Irving's story, "The Wife," depicts the hidden beauty of women and their need to reassure and comfort a loved one during both good and bad times. The American values regarding marriage portrayed the concept that the male must financially support the wife while she emotionally supports and comforts him in return. Not once did the story emphasize the idea of a woman working or helping out during economic hardships. Furthermore, the story described women to seem almost in need of elegant items and luxury, however, have the capability to always bring out the best in the worst situations. Irving portrayed women to have a secret ability to uplift the husband's spirits and fill their heart with enduring love. This "secrecy" is still true to this day; women can bring out the best in a man. Women can make him work harder, fall deeper in love, and enjoy life to its fullest extent. In any situation, having that comfort and companionship of a significant other can help ease the stresses and struggles of life's daily obstacles. Another American Value depicted in Irving's story is the excessive worry of economic issues. Leslie became overwhelmed and could not admit to his wife his job loss, as if it was the upmost failure in life. Perhaps being wealthy and living lavishly in society was a must during those times, though the wife certainly proved that she did not need those luxuries to be happy. Leslie discovered at the end of the story the beauty of true love, after seeing his wife still loving and adoring made him realize the important necessities in life. Love is significant in this world. It helps us get through the worst of times as well as the best moments. Maybe having money and living with luxuries could ease one's stresses, but in the end, love will always remain.