Passage From the Text.
"Mrs. Hale's hand was on the sewing basket in which the box was concealed. She felt that she out to take her hand off the basket. She did not seem able to. He picked up one of the quilt blocks which she had piled on to cover the box. Her eyes felt like fire. She had a feeling that if he took up the basket she would snatch it from him." (10,11)
"For that matter a sheriff's wife is married to the law. Ever think of it that way Mrs. Peters?" " 'Not--just that way,' she said." (11)
"For that matter a sheriff's wife is married to the law. Ever think of it that way Mrs. Peters?" " 'Not--just that way,' she said." (11)
Response to the Text.
6) I found this part of the story an example of situational irony as I did not expect the women to conceal the evidence that they found from the men. After diligently looking through all of Mrs. Wright's trifles and finally finding some evidence that gave clues to her mental state, I thought that the women would give the evidence to the men who had been searching fruitlessly for evidence in the upper part of the home. The dead bird and the obscure stitching on the quilt both lead to the conclusion that Mrs. Wright was beginning to lose some of her sanity and possibly begin building up animosity towards her husband. After reflecting on why the women didn't present the evidence to the men I think that there are a few reasons for their secrecy. I believe that both women, especially Mrs. Hale, believe that Mrs. Wright's deteriorating mental state is partially their fault because they stopped visiting her quite a few years ago. Although I believe that guilt plays a small role in the women's decision, my favorite theory can be tied back to the author's purpose. The purpose of this story was to show how strong women were and that they are sick of their typical gender roles and are willing to lash out against their husbands if their husbands oppress them. I believe that the women not giving their evidence to the men is the author's way of justifying while not condoning the murder of Mr. Wright. The author never comes out and says that Mr. Wright needed to die, however; it appears to me that the women believe that Mrs. Wright's actions were just and that she should not be punished for murdering Mr. Wright. This theory is further justified by Mrs. Peters' hesitation when she is questioned about being married to the law. She hesitates because she does not see the law and justice in the same way that her husband does. While he sees Mrs. Wright's actions as a cold blooded murder, she sees it as a justifiable action.