Essay Questions

How does Markie Linkwater interrupt the peaceful coexistence between Cecilia and her sister-in-law Emmeline?

Before the appearance of Markie, Cecilia and Emmeline are living happily despite their differences. Cecilia and Emmeline are beautiful young women who are fond of each other. Cecilia is a widow after her husband's demise, while Emmeline is the younger sister to Cecilia's late husband. During her trip back from Italy, Cecilia meets Markie, and they have a conversation that leads to a friendship. Cecilia later invites Markie to a dinner party. During the party, Markie is romantically attracted to Emmeline, which makes Cecilia Jealousy. Cecilia is not ready for a romantic relationship because she is still mourning her late husband. Nonetheless, Emmeline is madly in love with Markie because she feels this experience for the first time. Consequently, Markie interrupts the peace and happiness that existed between the two sisters-in-law.

How does Cecilia put up with the abrupt demise of her husband?

Cecilia is a widow, and she is still traumatized that she lost her husband just one year after their wedding. Cecilia is not ready to accept the reality that her husband is no more. Cecilia has decided to attend as many parties and dinners as possible to keep the trauma at bay. Similarly, Cecilia travels to different global destinations to keep her brain occupied. The author depicts Cecilia as a traumatized woman who does not want to confront reality and move on. For instance, when Cecilia meets Markie, he avoids his romantic moves, and she later regrets when he falls in love with her sister-in-law.

How do Cecilia and Emmeline depict the role of women in modern society?

The two sisters-in-law live in the contemporary world where the environment defines the role of women. Cecilia is a widow, but she is not restricted by anyone on what she should do next. No cultural restrictions are guiding Cecilia on how she should be inherited. Cecilia has the freedom to choose what she wants, which is why she attends parties and luxury trips. On the other hand, Emmeline is a career woman, and she defines her destiny without cultural influence, which requires women to stick to domestic duties. Therefore, the modern woman defines her roles independently without the influence of society.