“The Astronomer’s Wife” uses two sets of character contrasts:
Wife vs. husband
Astronomer vs. plumber
Explain how the characters are different (explain in terms of physical descriptions, actions, words, gestures etc.)
Describe the wife’s relationship with her husband and the conclusions you can draw.
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In "The Astronomer's Wife," the author Eudora Welty uses two sets of character contrasts to highlight the differences between the characters.
1. Wife vs. Husband:
The wife is portrayed as a young, beautiful woman in her late twenties, while her husband, the astronomer, is described as older and preoccupied with his work. The wife is shown to be physically attractive, but also somewhat timid and submissive. On the other hand, the husband is described as being "high-headed and jowly," suggesting that he is self-absorbed and disconnected from his surroundings.
In terms of their actions, the wife is seen fulfilling her domestic duties, taking care of the household chores and preparing meals. She is shown to be responsible, practical, and hardworking. However, the husband's actions primarily revolve around his work. He spends long hours observing the stars and is shown to be indifferent towards his wife's needs.
In their words and gestures, the wife is shown to be observant and thoughtful. She is aware of her surroundings and notices the plumber's interest in her. On the other hand, the husband is depicted as being insensitive and disconnected from both his wife and the world around him.
2. Astronomer vs. Plumber:
The contrast between the astronomer and the plumber highlights not only the physical differences but also their respective roles in society. The astronomer is a man of knowledge and science, representing intellectual pursuits, while the plumber represents manual labor and practical skills.
The astronomer is portrayed as distant and absorbed in his own world. He is focused on his work and seems disconnected from mundane matters. On the contrary, the plumber is more present and attentive. He engages in conversation with the wife and demonstrates interest in her life and thoughts.
Considering the wife's relationship with her husband, it can be observed that there is a palpable disconnect between them. The husband seems indifferent towards his wife, failing to engage with her on an emotional or personal level. His preoccupation with his work prevents him from establishing a meaningful connection with her. The wife, on the other hand, desires more attention and companionship.
Based on these character contrasts, it can be concluded that the wife is dissatisfied with her marriage and yearns for a connection that she is lacking with her husband. The arrival of the plumber serves as a catalyst for her desire for companionship and leads her to contemplate the possibility of a more fulfilling relationship.
In order to explain how the characters in "The Astronomer's Wife" differ, we need to analyze their physical descriptions, actions, words, and gestures as presented in the story.
1. Wife vs. Husband:
- Physical Descriptions: The wife is described as "a beautiful woman," while the husband is not given a specific physical description.
- Actions: The wife is seen taking care of household chores, such as cooking breakfast and cleaning. She is also depicted as curious and observant, as she explores the telescope and tries to understand it. On the other hand, the husband is primarily focused on his work, spending most of his time in the observatory.
- Words: The wife's dialogue suggests intelligence and a yearning for knowledge. She often asks her husband questions about astronomy and shows interest in learning more. The husband, however, seems less interested in engaging in conversation with her.
- Gestures: The wife's actions and gestures reveal more emotional depth. For instance, when she discovers a snake in the garden, she expresses fear and alarm. In contrast, the husband's gestures are more detached, as he seems lost in his work and unaware of his surroundings.
2. Astronomer vs. Plumber:
- Physical Descriptions: The astronomer is described as "thin, middle-aged, and absent-minded," while the plumber's physical appearance is not explicitly mentioned.
- Actions: The astronomer is often shown engrossed in his work, neglecting his wife's needs and sometimes treating her dismissively. The plumber, on the other hand, shows attentiveness and concern, as he helps the wife with her household tasks and takes an interest in her well-being.
- Words: The astronomer's words often revolve around his work and scientific explanations, showing his intellectual focus. Meanwhile, the plumber engages in casual conversation with the wife, displaying a more relatable and friendly communication style.
- Gestures: The astronomer's gestures are often absent-minded, emphasizing his preoccupation with his own thoughts. In contrast, the plumber's gestures are active and helpful, suggesting a sense of engagement and presence.
The wife's relationship with her husband is characterized by a lack of emotional fulfillment and intellectual stimulation. The husband's detachment and preoccupation with his work leave the wife feeling lonely and isolated. However, her interactions with the plumber show a glimpse of a different kind of connection—one that is warm and attentive. Based on this, one could draw the conclusion that the wife desires a deeper bond and intellectual stimulation that she is unable to find with her astronomer husband.