I would say that when it comes to the progression of Will and Sal's relationship between Part One and Parts two and three, they seemed to have progressed backwards in a sense. In part one Will mentions that he would tell Sal everything and that there were no secrets between the two. They seemed to know each other incredibly well. Even when Will resorted to thieving after Mr. and Mrs. Middleton died, Sal sort of already knew what Will was doing and never asked to confirm that belief in so that she will be able to truthfully claim ignorance. When they are in New South Wales though, Sal and Will begin to keep secrets from each other, or, at least, lose part of their ability to be able to read each other. Will even mentions at one point that he had not realized Sal's deep desire to return to London right away and when they were setting up their new home on the plot of land Sal never spoke to him about just how lonely she was. Sal was always playing the part of trying to be strong for Will. Will only realized how much she craved for connection with other people when they started to have their neighbors over.
When it comes to who I most sympathize with I would say I most sympathize with Sal. Sal is trying to be strong for her husband when he is pursuing something that he wants (the plot of land) even though it is pretty much the opposite of what she wants. I would also sympathize with Sal because she has already lost so much: her parents, her childhood home, her position in London (however small it may be), and even the one place she considered her world-London. She was thrust away from everything and everyone she knew to stick with her husband and is trying to make the most out of what she is given in New South Wales. Although, she is so lost in what she once had that she seems to glance over what they have made for themselves in Australia. She doesn't realize, as Will mentally points out, that they will never make anything of themselves or rise higher if they go back to London; they will always be looked down upon, but in Australia there is a much faster way of moving up the social ladder.
Hey Monique, I really liked reading this post. I do think that the lack of communication between the two in this sections is a major red flag and sign that their relationship has slightly regressed. It's clear that the two have different goals in mind and one has to wonder whether this is a breaking point for them to grow apart.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! I totally agree with your ideas surrounding your relationship. It is kind of crazy to think back to how they behaved in the opening section, since I feel like their "descent" happened quite slowly, a little difficult to notice until you compare their current and past connections. I wonder if they will eventually have a conversation with each other, and what, if anything, will this conversation lead to?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting thoughts, Monique. I agree that Will and Sal seem to have a less healthy relationship in part 3. It is noteworthy when discussing this that in part 2, Sal was technically the "master" of Will as he served out his sentences. Now, he is reclaiming his role as the "man of the house" and seems to be much less considerate or honest towards Sal. I wonder if these two dynamics are interrelated.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! Your blog posts always help me look at stories in different ways! I had never really thought to observe the correlation between Sal's loyalty to Will and the loss she experienced. In a way, Will and the kids are her lifeline after so much devastation, so she fully commits to them and loses herself in the process. It's really interesting to see how their change in location switches their relationship dynamic, and once they establish a more "traditional" dynamic in which Will has more power, their relationship crumbles. They're both trying to be the best versions of themselves, but refuse to be open with each other about where their lives are going and move away from each other in the process.
ReplyDelete