Difference between revisions of "328 2010--Week 3 Questions/Comments"

Susan Shelby seems to find the positive in living in and travelling through New Mexico and the West, unlike Mrs. A. M. Green.  This is probably due to the fact that she keeps herself busy with housework, improving her Spanish, and getting to know the locals.  I enjoyed reading the prejudices Shelby believes of the Mexicans.  She is surprised to find that her Mexican servant, who she was quick to call "one of the numbskulls" (p. 234), is actually quite smart and picks up on things very quickly.  She also realizes the Mexicans' intelligence when they offer her useful help and advice with things that Shelby believes may be "the first of the kind they have ever seen" (p. 235).  Shelby also seems to imply that the Mexicans are gaudy and extravagant with their parties when she is describing the managerie.  It is important to note that she is surprised to discover that when rich Mexicans "attend a place of the kind to take a servant along and while sitting to use them as an article of furniture" (p. 236).  To me, this appears to be the point where Shelby is realizing that even the Mexicans have a hierarchal system; they are not all stupid servants.  Another highlight of Shelby's diary is where she points out her place in society - well, more like her place in the home, really.  On Friday the 4th, she writes about putting all of her energy, and her servant's energy in to cleaning the house.  She is determined to do her "duty so well so as to gain one bright smile and sweet kiss from [her] good, kind husband" (p. 234).  I think this is a great example of the separate spheres and the idea that these women had of making the homes perfect, romanticized places for their husbands to return.  Apparently it is so serious, she may not receive her husband's acceptance and affection when he returns home!  Although, it seems like that would be due to her punishing herself rather than a punishment from her husband. -- CBrau