Short Fiction · Chapter
Now and Then explained
Irma writes letters to Esther from Nassau, detailing her honeymoon with Bob.
What happens
Irma writes letters to Esther from Nassau, detailing her honeymoon with Bob. She describes their idyllic activities, Bob's possessive and controlling behavior, and the gradual shift in his attitude as he becomes more interested in golf and other people, leaving Irma feeling neglected.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Gender Roles
Irma's letters reveal the dynamics of a marriage where the husband is possessive and controlling, while the wife is expected to be devoted and accommodating.
Disillusionment and Failure
Irma's initial happiness gives way to disappointment as Bob's attention shifts away from her, highlighting the gap between romantic ideals and reality.
Characters to notice
- Bob Masons
Irma's husband, possessive and controlling, initially attentive but later prioritizes golf and bridge over her.
- Ella
Irma's friend, the recipient of the letters, though not present in the chapter.
Key passages
“Bob said he didn't blame them, if he had to dance with some of the women here he would want to drink enough first to blind him.”
Bob criticized the other women's dancing, implying they were so unattractive that he would need to be drunk to dance with them.
Bob's comment shows his arrogance and his way of complimenting Irma by insulting others.
“He said he hated to tell a lie so we would have to go out for a sail so he would not have told those people a lie.”
Bob insisted they go sailing to avoid lying to the couple who invited them to play bridge, even though he had no real interest in sailing.
This illustrates Bob's quirky logic and his desire to maintain a facade of honesty.
“Bob said he would rather I stubbed my toe than have a lot of men staring at me.”
Bob preferred that Irma hurt herself than have other men look at her, showing his extreme jealousy.
Bob's possessiveness is a central theme in the chapter.