The Painted Door Analysis

In an attempt to be unrestricted, an individual tends to break societal norms. The restrictions that society imposes may tie individuals down, for example the Taliban in Afghanistan imposes restrictions that stop them from pursing professional careers. The short story The Painted Door by Sinclair Ross, explores ideas about isolation, loneliness and the effects they may have on a person. Isolation leaves a person more reserved and alone, they do not express themselves properly and when they are alone they struggle with disturbed thoughts. The story follows the struggles of Ann, a farmer’s wife who resents being left alone by her husband before a storm. Her physical isolation stops her social interactions which lives her disconnected. While,
In this dream she sees John’s face “And in it was not a trace of threat or anger-only calm, and stone-like hopelessness”, John’s expression displays his pain. His lack of understanding about Ann ‘s desires leads to Ann betraying him. Even though Ann does betray John, she immediately realizes that “John was the man. With him lay all future”. She understands that John’s shortcomings did not bother her and that she truly loves John. She clearly sees John is a better man than Steven, because he is there for her. He truly loves and appreciates her. John provides stability in her life that Steven cannot. Ann feels guilty for her actions and realizes that in trying to pursue Steven she ruined her marriage. Ann realizes that John never questioned his love for her, but she got caught up in the moment and questioned her love for him. John always came to meet Ann even in worst of storms before their marriage, even after all those years of marriage he still loved her enough to keep his promise that day. In her attempt to overcome her circumstance she lost the man she loved.
In The Painted Door Ann attempts to change her situation. She was unhappy with her husband John but keeps these emotions to herself. Her concerns and personal desires lead her to cheat on her husband, only to realize that John made her happy.