THE GARDEN LODGE

 Cather's 'The Garden Lodge' is another short story that discusses modernism well in its plot. Modernist literature, according to Wikipedia, often forcefully opposes or gives an opinion of a social concept. In 'The Garden Lodge', although not very forceful, the theme of infidelity is introduced passively along with modern men's indifference.

 Caroline is married to Harold Noble; they had spent several years together, but Harold failed to realize that his wife is committing infidelity when he is not around. Last summer, tenor Raymond d'Esquerre visited the house and spent fond times with Caroline even though he knew that she is a married woman. The more shocking fact is that even after Harold found out the truth, he was not at all surprised and politely asked Caroline of her opinion regarding the issue of tearing the lodge down.

 Even though one of the greatest crimes in the world had been committed by his wife, Harold revealed not much interest. It was not that he was not affected at all; he was obviously annoyed at that time. But in overall, he managed to contain his anger too well compared to a typical husband who has a lascivious wife.

 The husband questioned neither his wife nor Raymond d'Esquerre how they could commit such an outrageous sin. He has just accepted the truth and tried to tear down the lodge. On one hand, I admire him for being so cynical. Indeed, he has to be extremely apathetic to control his anger after witnessing his wife's infidelity. However on the other hand, I see how people today are turning so indifferent even to their own family. Although he has shown little annoyance, it is clear that he does not care much.

 Modernism plays a big role here; Cather is trying to say that indifference is taking more and more part of human in today's world. How sad and scary is that? It means that we do not care much about our close friends, colleagues, and even family members. This can be clearly seen in 'The Garden Lodge', where the husband just accepts the truth. Although Harold knows that the garden lodge in his house represents a place of his husband and the tenor and tries to tear it down, that is not enough; he has to be more outrageous towards his wife.

 In today's society, we care less and less about other people. We are too busy looking after ourselves that we do not have any time for others. In a very near future, it might be true that we will only care about ourselves. This should be stopped, and more care should be expressed by all of us.

COMMENTS


Jeong Yunjo: Huh. I was surprised you looked at the story from a very different perspective from mine.

Hyejoon: I liked your analysis, but I think it would have been better if you spent more time and space on making your own interpretation on the analysis that you made instead of only writing about the facts!

Inhee: I liked how you specifically analyzed the story! But rather than stopping at mere analysis, why not go further? For instance, how does Harold's not being surprised about his wife's affair link to the postwar era? I also found it interesting how you focused on the man more than the woman. Surely, the story focuses a little more on Caroline. And I expect you to describe further on man's mind and what that could mean.