Janet’s First Marriage
Janet’s marriage to Black Jack Bouvier becomes wreckage. Bayard writes, “She fell hard, and kept falling—for there was no one to catch her. And when she landed, there was nothing but wreckage. Money gone, home gone.” The wreckage is attributed to Black Jack's alcoholism. Black Jack blows all his fortune due to his recklessness and spendthrift nature. Eventually, Janet marries again. Her two daughters with Black Jack are the only beautiful achievements from their matrimony.
Jackie’s Life in Paris
Jackie goes to Paris to polish her mastery of French. Her mother does not see the need for her to go there. Nonetheless, Jackie goes to Paris: "The year in Paris went by with no great incident; no disastrous attachments were formed, at least not to Mrs. Auchincloss' knowledge." Jackie's one-year stint in Paris is important for her to be far from her mother. Upon return, she elects to complete her remaining academic year at George Washington University. Jackie's decision-making in matters relating to her education underscores that she is a rebellious girl.
Janet’s Experience with Employment
Janet believes that formal employment is not for women. Her detestation for employment is attributed to her bad personal experience. Bayard explains, "AS a still-young divorcee, she'd been forced to work as a Macy's department-store model to pay for Jackie’s riding lessons. Having to seek employment was bad enough, but to be forced to wear Macy’s clothes in full view of the public—that, for Janet, was shame." Janet believes a woman should strive for perfect matrimony instead of seeking employment. Janet does not see the need for Jackie to seek employment. Janet does not understand that Jackie has no interest in spending her entire life as a housewife.
