Marriage

The vicissitudes of Toby and Rachel’s relationship demonstrate both the merits and pitfalls of marriage, specifically demonstrating how cooperation, communication, and compromise are necessary for a functional long-term relationship. Toby and Rachel face breakdowns of all three of these dynamics during their marriage, and these breakdowns ultimately lead to their separation. For example, Rachel faces much stress due to the responsibilities of both work and family. The narration states, “When she turned forty, she decided to stop pretending she wasn’t angry about all of this” (325). Unfortunately, when she begins to express her discontentment more directly, Toby soon suggests divorce as the solution, rather than cooperation and compromise. Thus, the breaking point of Toby and Rachel’s marriage demonstrates how teamwork and vigorous interpersonal commitment are necessary for overcoming challenges and obstacles within a marriage.

The decline of Rachel and Toby’s marriage contrasts with...