The Difference Themes

This Study Guide consists of approximately 38 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Difference.

The Difference Themes

This Study Guide consists of approximately 38 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Difference.
This section contains 959 words
(approx. 3 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Difference Study Guide

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...

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This section contains 959 words
(approx. 3 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Difference Study Guide
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The Difference from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.