... , a family was expected to conduct itself in a responsible and moral way. The maintenance of conservative community cohesion and a stable family life were regarded as desirable goals, one "more important than love-. George is drawn as a traditional husband, charismatic in the workplace but insensitive and generally unemotional at home. Ellen realizes the contrast, "the lover, the dazzler, the charmer- of his female ... admirably keeping house as appropriate for her gender. Nevertheless Kate is seen by her family as a background figure. Quindlen contrast her dismissed qualities and her de...

• Word Count: 844
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , a family was expected to conduct itself in a responsible and moral way. The maintenance of conservative community cohesion and a stable family life were regarded as desirable goals, one "more important than love-. George is drawn as a traditional husband, charismatic in the workplace but insensitive and generally unemotional at home. Ellen realizes the contrast, "the lover, the dazzler, the charmer- of his female ... admirably keeping house as appropriate for her gender. Nevertheless Kate is seen by her family as a background figure. Quindlen contrast her dismissed qualities and her de...

• Word Count: 834
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate