The Difference | Themes

The Difference Themes

The Generation Gap

The generation gap that so often exists between older and younger members of society is an important theme in the story. In Rose's eyes, Margaret is a "Victorian woman," meaning she is hopelessly old-fashioned and behind the times; in Margaret's eyes, Rose is clearly a "Bohemian," someone who embraces new thoughts and ideas and rebels against the old order. Because the story is told strictly from Margaret's point of view, readers only understand her criticism of the younger generation: Rose's talk of "self-development" as simply the "catchwords" of the "new freedom"; Rose's generation's lack of understanding the compromises that make a good relationship. Readers do not internally experience Rose's impression of Margaret's Victorianism, but Rose's feelings are neatly summed up in the phrase, "Oh, I wonder what you Victorian women did for a solace when you weren't allowed even a cigarette!" Rose also demonstrates her generation's liberal attitude toward love...
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