"Years from now, when you talk about this, and you will, be kind."
After an awful accident and Tom’s attempt to commit suicide he was not found anywhere. Only Laura knew where he was, and right she was – he was near the field where he came to think. There she made the greatest gesture for him – she gave herself. These words she said very softly to Tom.
It is perhaps in men’s essence to boast about their experience with women, and Laura thinks it right but what she does not approve is that men talk of women without respect. She tells these words to Tom with the only purpose – she does not want him to become a man in the opinion of his husband, but she wants Tom to stay as respectful as he is, as tender as he is now.
"The wife always kept her affection for the boy."
These are the final words of the film. Ten years have passed and Tom visits the house where he lived and all the events took place. Bill Reynolds still lives there, but Laura does not. Bill gives Tom a note left by Laura in which she tells him her opinion of his last published book. There are things in the book that Laura does not agree with, but the most truthful and correct one in the thought revealed in these words.
“Manliness is not all swagger and mountain climbing. It's also tenderness”
The main theme of the film of “manliness” is presented in these clear words said by Laura. To her opinion a man is a one who is attentive, tender and respectful. These traits she sees in Tom, though all the rest think he is odd and weird.
