The Wife

            Washington Irving’s “The Wife” would be considered unique and rare if it had been written centuries earlier, or in any of the centuries following its production. His view of women was quite radical at that time, and possibly even more extensive in the present.

When I think of an American married couple in the 19^th century, I usually imagine a marriage of convenience: they were of age, their families would benefit from their conjoining, and the husband needed an extra farmhand or maid. Obviously, this recipe is completely void of love.

Reading the writing of Irving, a man, whose words are a narration of the infectious love of another married couple, is quite striking when brought to my attention. So how significant must it have been at the time for women and marriage and America, to have an American man portraying his country and the people of his country in this light? In the perspective of Irving, America was a place of success and hardships. These trials were onerous if endured by one, but when in the company of a fellow American, one was encouraged to persevere.  Irving’s picture of marriage was a partnership of comfort and support, especially during the formidable days. And women, they were the epitome of balance: meek, yet strong, serious and spirited, firm and loving. This piece of literature would have been a great advertisement in England, targeted at people who were feeling oppressed, unloved, and weary of their lives and relationships.

            With his contemporary narrative, displaying marriage and America at their best angle, Irving solidified not only his place in literature, but also a place for women, marriage, and America in a world that was struggling to recognize their potency.