The Painted Door Analysis

Sukarno, first president of Indonesia, in office from 1945 to 1967, conveys, “The worst cruelty that can be inflicted on a human being is isolation”. In other words, Sukarno believes that seclusion is the greatest punishment an individual can receive. Often, people are affected by isolation on the mental and emotional levels. Individuals begin to perceive situations differently and are influenced to make shameful choices. For example, in Sinclair Ross’s short story, “The Painted Door,” the main character, Ann, lives her life in isolation from most of society. Ann is a young and caring woman living on a farm with her husband, John. They are facing troubles in their marriage, since their ideals of a fulfilling life differ from one another. Her

Before he departs, John proposes the idea of asking their friend, Steven, to come over for dinner. The invitation gives Ann the opportunity to interact with another person, while waiting for John to return from his father’s farmhouse. Ann is reluctant because the travel to Steven’s house will tire John, but her husband insists, “and if a storm gets up you’ll feel safer, knowing that he’s coming”. John shows his love for Ann and his unselfish personality by making himself walk two extra miles, for Ann’s happiness. She decides to pass the time by painting the kitchen woodwork. “The paint had been waiting warmer weather. The frost in the walls on a day like this would crack and peel it as it dried”. The paint symbolizes Ann’s wanting of change, she is tired of the life she and John share together, she wants to break away from her feelings of isolation and confinement. Although she feels this way, Ann hides these emotions from her husband. She tries to cover the “old woodwork” with paint that looks “new”. Her actions show pent up feelings and reveal that Ann is near her emotional limit. As the blizzard begins to pick up, Ann begins to worry if Steven and John would arrive at her home safely. Ann decides that she will take responsibility to complete farm chores, but this is difficult for her since the winds of the blizzard denied her from fulfilling her duty. Moments later, Steven comes along and he relieves Ann, he

The house symbolizes that Ann is trapped and caged by her circumstances, she is unhappy and seeks interaction with people. She is married, but her husband, John, spends the majority of his time working. “He wanted a mortgage-free farm; then a new house and pretty clothes for her.” John feels that to lead a fulfilling life he has to achieve these goals, John’s ideals conflict with Ann’s values; She wants to spend time together and enjoy each other’s presence while they are still young. On the other hand, John feels that his duty in life is to provide for Ann and constantly works to attain his objectives. Ann feels that it is wrong for John to “slave away fifteen hours a day” to afford pretty clothes for her. The clothing symbolizes the contradictory ideals of a happy marriage between John and Ann. Both John and Ann want to achieve a joyful life together, but it is impossible due to their actions denying the other. To provide Ann with someone to talk to, John decides to invite their close friend, Steven to their home. John trusts Steven to help Ann with chores and to provide her with companionship. John hopes that they could spend time together and “play cards”. Due to the blizzard becoming more dangerous, Ann and Steven debate whether John will return that night. Steven believes that John will stay at his father’s home, but Ann argues that he will come back home. Eventually, Steven is able to convince Ann