I actually really enjoyed this story. I think the message that it conveys about marriage was very strong by showing how easy it is to become trapped in a marriage for the wrong reasons. This couple went into their marriage for the main reason being for sakes of Anya's staying in America and not having to go back to her home in Russia. They fight and seem to be nothing more than a stress to each other. The story also shows the couple with Ryan having much control over Anya. Instead of having an equal partnership, Ryan does stuff knowing that Anya will clean it up, such as when he throws the jar against the wall. This leads to another part of marriage that has sadly become more common - violence and abuse. Anya has a glass jar thrown and "crash[ing] nearly a foot from where Anya stood." Afterwards, instead of apologizing, he just assures her that he has better aim than that and attempts to seduce her. Towards the end of the story, he also emotionally abuses her by teasing her after throwing her out of his car by driving by her yet not picking her up, putting her life in danger by drunk driving, and beating her after a fight causing her lip to bleed and her chin to bust/burn. I began to get worried when the two of them continued to see one another, thinking that Anya may go against her straining order and take him back. I was happy to see that at the end when Ryan begins to have one of his temper tantrums that she remembers how he used to be and chooses not to go against the papers. Glad to see she stood up for herself finally! Temper definitely can be a relationship breaker!
affidavits - a written declaration upon oath made before an authorized official.
"Better Half" --> page 119 - Erin asks Anya: "Did you bring the signed affidavits?"
No comments:
Post a Comment