Describe the relationship between the astronomer and his wife

From the beginning, it becomes clear that the marriage between Mr and Mrs. Ames is loveless; Mr Ames real love affair occurs with his work. Confinement in marriage is explored as Mrs. Ames grapples with the reality of her loneliness.

The crumbling marriage inspires important changes that occur in Mrs. Ames. She becomes more assertive at the end of the story, for once putting her own interests before her husband's. Before, she had to rehearse her dialogue before saying it, constantly second-guessing her thoughts and actions. She panders to her husband's needs while he sleeps the day away and ignores her during his waking hours. The end of the story sees a spark of recklesness and youth that Mrs. Ames had thought was lost.