Martin reveals his struggle in the story when he first discovers his wife’s “condition” of alcoholism. He tries to recognize her weakness and rehabilitates her, but realizes that she consistently drinks. Consequently, it facilitated a precarious environment for his children, in which Andy plays with Christmas lights. At first, Martin tries to reconcile between the two difficult choices of his dilemma- leaving his wife or take …show more content…
Her cognitive dissonance between being a good mother and her need to be intoxicated in attempts to veil her actual condition demonstrates humanity’s instinct to hide itself. Furthermore, as Emily becomes unresponsive and raunced with Martin’s attempts to confront her alcoholism. She shifts to the alcoholism of Martin, asserting that he drinks at bars and was hypocritical. Again, this blatant rejection of her condition and the ails of her failing marriage depicts the complexities of the human spirit - Emily consistently convinces herself that she is normal despite the looming signs of alcoholism. Consequently, Martin responds to Emily in frustration and anger and censors this while engaging with his children. This censorship and person of Martin enhances the concept of the complex and convoluted concept of