Gender and Class

 During the story, the man’s role in a middle class family is portrayed as the one in charge. For example, when the Hartleys first arrive at the inn, Mr. Hartley checks them in while Mrs. Hartley and their daughter stand by. Also, whenever Mr. or Mrs. Hartley discussed their father’s they illustrate pictures of authority. Mrs. Hartley said that her father was a doctor, and Mr. Hartley described a time when his father was carving the meat. While on at the inn, it becomes clear that Mr. and Mrs. Hartley are not enjoying themselves and have not in a while. She says:

                “Why can’t we separate again? It was better that way. Wasn’t it better that way? It was better for Anne – I don’t care what you say, it was better for her than this. I’ll take Anne again and you can live in town. Why can’t I do that, why can’t I why can’t I, why can’t I…” (63).

                Why did Mr. and Mrs. Hartley get back together if they were happier separate? And why is Mrs. Hartley unable to separate from her husband again? Does her gender hinder her from being able to raise her daughter on her own?