From the beginning of “The Meeting of the Stones” the importance of art within the family becomes obvious. When the father has his stroke Coppelia does not run to his aid, but instead head directly for

The situation that Shiloh faced in “Art Colony” does not have many similarities with Coppelia’s but the central theme about gendered traditions remains. Shiloh cannot escape the situation that she is in just like Coppelia but they lead much different lives. While Coppelia creates and does the architecture that her father once envisioned and desires to create in the form of a family with womanly occupations, Shiloh cannot escape the constraints of the domestic life and she desires to put her creative spirit to use. As she walks through the house she admires the works of Sorrel and yearns to create the way that he does. All of the writing below his work just inspires her even more. Boyle mixes these in to show the importance of creation and the natural desire within everyone to create. “Blessed is the artisan, for his is the joy of creation” (238). This epitomizes the message that Boyle sends out throughout both stories. She does not get to follow up on her artistic impulses because due to her domestic chores and responsibilities back at the house. Boyle attempts to illustrate the woman’s inability to release their artistic spirit because they are consumed by the role that they must carry out in their homes. Sorrel’s works of art line the house and Shiloh must look at them wherever she goes in the house. Every time she washes the dishes or turns on the water in the faucet she becomes envious of Sorrel and his ability to create. This particular picture hits is the only sign of female creation in the house. It depicts a woman and the caption reads, “I would teach the world to dance” (238). Although it

Some topics in this essay:
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