Analysis Of Mrs. Larsen

Mrs. Larsen is a relatable character on many levels. She was just a maid in the book and the main caretaker to Ralph. In fact, she was the first one to suspect Catherine. In a short paragraph, “ Mrs.Larsen had grown to hatte her, knowing somehow that Catherine was the cause of whatever was killing Truitt, that she was killing him because Emilia had tried to kill him” (Goolrick 222). Emilia, Ralphs dead, cheating wife, tried to kill him as well. Mrs. Larsen is protective over Ralph, not trusting a soul. I can connect with this because I have suspected my grandma of lying to me about my estranged father. Mrs. Larsen never found out if Catehrine was the cause, however, I did. I can relate to the kind of anger that surged through Mrs. Larsen.
Ralph is the most forgiving person in the book. In the end he explains how he knew about Catherine’s past, and the things she had done with Antonio in Saint Louis. He knew she was poisoning him too. The author gives readers an insight into Catherine’s thoughts, “ How could he forgive so much? How could he be so patient?” (Goolrick 291). Ralph had forgiven her for everything she had done; all the lies, manipulation, and the scandal with Antonio. The forgiveness was almost too overwhelming for Catherine. I can relate to Ralph Truitt and his forgivenss. With the previous example with my grandma and my father, forgiveness and acceptance is hard to come by. It feels good once it’s happened. It takes time and it only has to be one sided. I forgave the lies and the abandoning. At the end of the day,” Such things happen”(Goolrick 291). I can connect with Mrs. Larsen and Ralph Truitt in numerous ways. The two kept the book grounded and the experiences they went through are relatable to many
She started with a determination to kill Ralph Truitt and inherit all the money. Earlier in the book, she was introduced to Antonio, Ralph’s legal son from his first cheating wife. Catherine’s only mission is to bring Antonio home to Ralph. Instead, she sleeps with him day after day. The whole time she is sending letters to Ralph asking for more time. Ralph doesn’t care. The author points out, “ Catherine Land, a young wife of Truitt, Wisconsin, set out to poison—slowly with arsenic—the husband who loved her, whom she herself loved, to her surprise, the man who saved her from a life of destitution and despair” (Goolrick 214) Catherine was aware of what she was doing. The author makes it clear that Catherine was Truitt’s wife but her vows lacked in day-to-day life. Catherine Land falls in love. She only says it once,”’ This doesn’t make sense, I don’t know what your saying. I love you” (Goolrick 213). In the context she said it, readers know it’s the turning point. She knows her feelings changed. It seems like it was her subconscious mind taking over and telling her what she felt, but telling Ralph at the same time. The page continued, “ She had never said it before. No one had said it to him for more than twenty years, yet he believed her. She loved him, and she was the thing that was bringing his death, an end to his torment She was the angel of his death. And he loved her for it”(Goolrick 213). That night Ralph