Alice Munro Character Differences

Marian cares for her husband, Aubrey, at home, because of her financial issues, which is why she fights so hard to keep her husband home as she fears losing her home. This can be seen as mercenariness as her husband’s well being should be her main concern but it can also be seen as practical, as she avoids losing her house with this approach. On the other hand, there is Grant, whose wife, a retired nurse, advises him to put her in a care facility once she reaches a certain stage knowing that it is not something a person can handle alone. Although Grant is not emotionally ready to let go of his wife of 40 years, he follows her recommendation. However, in such an unusual touchy situation, it can be hard to separate feelings from what is the right thing to do or the best thing to do because there are no set guidelines in life as to what to do when your spouse cannot recognize you. In terms of actions, the right approach to this situation is Grant’s as he knows that he cannot be a full time caregiver for his wife, Fiona, and that doing so would be too much work and emotional burden for one person alone potentially causing an emotional and physical strain. However, Grant is still in denial and believes that Fiona will one day leave Meadowlake , which is simply impossible due to her irreversible condition. This makes Marian the one with the right approach emotionally, as she is at the stage of acceptance, and knows that there are more financially adequate techniques that she can use to care for her husband, such as purchasing a television instead of paying for a nursing home. She is also much more pragmatic than Grant as it can be assumed that by dating him she can ultimately place Aubrey in the home with her boyfriend’s money while still conserving her home .

Meadowlake’s description is significant as it applies to the patients who are in the care facility. they patients are in constant change ,much like the description of the decoration suggests , as everyday is different for them . they forget something new every day ,may have a moment of clarity  or have to relearn to do basic habits . ultimately , the routine they had when they weren’t ill is often forgotten , which causes them to change day to day. This description also draws a parallel to the effect of loosing a spouse on Grant, as we see him himself have instances of confusion . indeed, this situation is as new and everchanging to him as it is to his wife . moreover, by visiting the Meadowlake every day and being amonst the patient so frequently while dealing with the fact that his life no longer recognizes him starts to take a toll on his sanity.

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