Novel: Fifth Business Author: Robertson Davies Section of novel: chapter 4-6, pages 141-257 Role: Discussion Director What (Description): Question 1: What events might have led to Leola’s suicide attempt? Looking through the feminist criticism lense, there are many events that could have led to Leola’s suicide attempt. Boy Staunton tried to force Leola to become someone she was not – a refined socialite. They further explain how “She had lost heart in the fight to become the sort of sophisticated, cultivated, fashionably alert woman Boy wanted for a wife” (Davies, 144). This drained Leola and might have been one of the main reasons why she attempted to commit suicide. Also, when Boy finally broke and yelled and traumatized the children and stormed off to go drinking for several weeks, Leola had enough and felt like she was not worth it anymore. I believe the tip of the iceberg was when Leola sought approval and love from Dunstan, but he denied her. Why (Justification): …show more content…
Firstly, himself – his pride and unwillingness to admit his guilt most likely affected him. Secondly, “the woman he knew” was most probably Leola as she was his wife. The way he abused her psychologically might have had an impact on him after all because when it was happening he wanted nothing less than for Leola to change and it was mentioned that “Of course Boy was right, and of course Leola gave in and tried to be the woman he wanted” (Davies, 145). Next, “the woman he did not know” may have been Mrs. Dempster, who he hurt profoundly because of one situation. “The man who granted his inmost wish” could have been Paul. Finally, “the inevitable fifth, who was keeper of his conscience and keeper of the stone” would most likely be Dunstan. Dunstan may have killed Boy by pointing out his guilt and faults. Through this lense, we can piece together how each of the five people killed Boy in their own