Poetry · Chapter
Understated explained
The chapter opens with a quote from Upton Sinclair expressing regret over marriage, calling it a devilish device and delusion, and the narrator adds that it is even worse because it is lawful.
What happens
The chapter opens with a quote from Upton Sinclair expressing regret over marriage, calling it a devilish device and delusion, and the narrator adds that it is even worse because it is lawful.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Communication
The quote from Upton Sinclair reflects a cynical view of marriage, touching on the theme of love and communication by highlighting the disillusionment and regret within the conjugal relationship.
Key passages
“I’m sorry I married, says Upton Sinclair: The conjugal status is awful!— The devil’s device, a delusion and snare. Worse, far worse than that—it is lawful!”
Upton Sinclair expresses regret for marrying, calling marriage a terrible, devilish trick and a deceptive trap, and the narrator adds that the worst part is that it is legal.
The narrator amplifies Sinclair's critique of marriage by emphasizing its legality as an additional condemnation.