"There are moments, horrible moments in life, when one emerges from shelter and looks out, and it’s awful. One oughtn’t to give way to them."
This quote reflects Rosemary Fell's privileged and sheltered existence. She lives a life insulated from the harsh realities that others face, signified by her hesitation to step out of her comfortable world. The “horrible moments” she mentions are brief glimpses into the struggles of others, which she quickly dismisses. As such, this quote highlights the theme of class disparity in the story, where Rosemary’s wealth allows her to avoid confronting the difficulties of life that the less fortunate endure daily. Her inability to empathize fully with others is a critical commentary on the superficiality of her kindness. Instead of allowing these moments to inspire genuine empathy or a desire to make a meaningful change, Rosemary chooses to retreat into her comfortable life. This attitude is a critique of the upper class's superficial approach to charity and social issues. Rosemary’s charity is not motivated by a connection to those less fortunate, but rather by a desire to dabble shortly in what she perceives as the "real" world.
"Rosemary had just done her hair, darkened her eyes a little, and put on her pearls."
This statement occurs after Rosemary decides to give the girl money and send her away. The act of “doing her hair” and “putting on her pearls” signifies Rosemary’s return to her world of privilege. She never truly engages with the girl as a fellow human being but instead sees her as an object for a momentary whim. The pearls symbolize the return to her identity as a wealthy woman, indicating that her encounter with the girl has not altered her in any meaningful way. Rosemary is reaffirming her place in society by distancing herself from the brief moment of empathy she experienced. Furthermore, this quote is a commentary on the imposed role of women in this society, particularly women of Rosemary’s class. The emphasis on appearance reflects societal expectations of women to maintain their beauty and status above all else. In this light, Rosemary’s actions are about conforming to the role society has prescribed for her.
"She’s absolutely lovely. Look again, my child. I was bowled over when I came into your room just now."
This quote, spoken by Philip, is pivotal in the story. Philip’s comment shifts Rosemary’s perception of the girl from one of pity to jealousy. Initially, Rosemary sees the girl as pitiful but when Philip mentions her beauty, Rosemary becomes aware of the girl as a potential rival. This shift in perspective reveals the fragility of Rosemary’s self-esteem, which is closely tied to her appearance and the approval of her husband. It also stresses the theme of vanity in human relationships, where Rosemary's compassion quickly turns into a need to assert her superiority. The quote also highlights the power dynamics in the story. Philip’s casual admiration has an impact on Rosemary, showing how easily her emotions are influenced by her husband’s opinions.
