Elizabeth Harlan
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300104172
- eISBN:
- 9780300130560
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300104172.003.0005
- Subject:
- Literature, European Literature
This chapter focuses on Sophie's journey with Maurice across the turbulent Spanish countryside. Close to childbirth and with a tiny daughter in tow, this journey was reckless, to say the least. ...
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This chapter focuses on Sophie's journey with Maurice across the turbulent Spanish countryside. Close to childbirth and with a tiny daughter in tow, this journey was reckless, to say the least. Sophie's desire to secure the future of her family no doubt compelled such rash behavior. By bringing along Maurice's daughter, Sophie's status as wife and mother would be recognized, and Maurice's obligation to protect them and the new baby would be safeguarded. From the very beginning, Maurice and Sophie's relationship was marred by jealousy and insecurity, each obsessed with the fear that the other might be unfaithful. Aurore's existence thus provided insurance against the betrayals that threatened her parents' relationship. However irresponsible, taking Aurore to Spain on the eve of giving birth to another child was motivated by vulnerability and a desire to solidify the bond with Maurice.Less
This chapter focuses on Sophie's journey with Maurice across the turbulent Spanish countryside. Close to childbirth and with a tiny daughter in tow, this journey was reckless, to say the least. Sophie's desire to secure the future of her family no doubt compelled such rash behavior. By bringing along Maurice's daughter, Sophie's status as wife and mother would be recognized, and Maurice's obligation to protect them and the new baby would be safeguarded. From the very beginning, Maurice and Sophie's relationship was marred by jealousy and insecurity, each obsessed with the fear that the other might be unfaithful. Aurore's existence thus provided insurance against the betrayals that threatened her parents' relationship. However irresponsible, taking Aurore to Spain on the eve of giving birth to another child was motivated by vulnerability and a desire to solidify the bond with Maurice.
