In "Astronomer 's Wife," Kay Boyle reveals the truth behind a theme of tight bondage in an unequal relationship. The style in which the author has written the story involves a lot of description and conversation the readers are not even exposed to. And a lot of information about the characters are given to readers with little to no direct characterization. All in all, Boyle wrote this short story with an even flow and clarity.
Boyle 's "Astronomer 's Wife" surrounds the idea of an unhappy marriage. However, she goes more in depth than most authors do with this unspoken reality. The wife performs her daily duties while her partner lays in bed upstairs, unaware and unresponsive to what can be perceived as 'normal ' male duties. When the plumber arrives, Mrs. Ames greets him at the doorway and tries to connect with him through conversation as best she can. That is however until her husband even makes it apparent that she knows nothing about the topic saying, “Katherine! There’s a problem worthy of your mettle.” And for all the Astronomer cares, she knows little about anything else too. She is constantly belittled and brought down …show more content…
Boyle then describes every step and hushed sound while Mrs. Ames meets the plumber. What really sets apart this author from others is how she is able to move from a descriptive image in the wife’s mind to the conversation she was having with the plumber with such ease. Using one sentence she quickly
Kay Boyle’s “Astronomer’s Wife” would be nothing without a theme and characters that go hand in hand. Her writing style only completes it. The three components work so well together even a reader forgets how much is said in as little as three and a half pages. From beginning to end the story was an interesting read as well as an eye opener to those who may connect to Katherine Ames’
Boyle 's "Astronomer 's Wife" surrounds the idea of an unhappy marriage. However, she goes more in depth than most authors do with this unspoken reality. The wife performs her daily duties while her partner lays in bed upstairs, unaware and unresponsive to what can be perceived as 'normal ' male duties. When the plumber arrives, Mrs. Ames greets him at the doorway and tries to connect with him through conversation as best she can. That is however until her husband even makes it apparent that she knows nothing about the topic saying, “Katherine! There’s a problem worthy of your mettle.” And for all the Astronomer cares, she knows little about anything else too. She is constantly belittled and brought down …show more content…
Boyle then describes every step and hushed sound while Mrs. Ames meets the plumber. What really sets apart this author from others is how she is able to move from a descriptive image in the wife’s mind to the conversation she was having with the plumber with such ease. Using one sentence she quickly
Kay Boyle’s “Astronomer’s Wife” would be nothing without a theme and characters that go hand in hand. Her writing style only completes it. The three components work so well together even a reader forgets how much is said in as little as three and a half pages. From beginning to end the story was an interesting read as well as an eye opener to those who may connect to Katherine Ames’