DISCUSS THE ISSUES OF GUILT AND RESPONSABILITY AS THEMES OF THE STORY

The most obvious example of guilt and responsibility would be found in Winfred's treatment of her daughter. Winfred seems to have no interest in the girl, let alone an emotional attachment, but she does have very large feeling of guilt and well understands her duty.

She accepted the role of motherhood head on, and she made her daughter the priority of her life at the expense of her marriage. Because of what she considered her responsibility; she gave up her husband and the real feelings that existed between them as husband and wife. The result? Their marriage dies; Egbert feels useless and deserted, and his wife only feels a passing interest in his comings and goings.

"The responsibility of motherhood was the prime responsibility in Winifred's heart: the responsibility of wifehood came a long way second."