Renata and the Possibility of a Shared Home

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows the couple’s imagined plans for a home and travel, revealing how hope offers them a temporary future even as reality prevents its realization.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Proposal of Marriage The Proposal of Marriage from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Proposal of Marriage A future proposed Cantwell asks Renata whether they could marry and have children.

The Proposal of Marriage from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Proposal of Marriage A future proposed Cantwell asks Renata whether they could marry and have children.

The Proposal of Marriage A future proposed Cantwell asks Renata whether they could marry and have children. She imagines a family with him but has already decided against marriage. Desire without agreement Their wishes meet but do not settle into a shared plan. The refusal is painful because it comes from someone who loves him.

Five Sons and Five Corners Five Sons and Five Corners from "Across the River and into the Trees". Five Sons and Five Corners A playful family They imagine having five sons and sending them to the corners of the world.

Five Sons and Five Corners from "Across the River and into the Trees". Five Sons and Five Corners A playful family They imagine having five sons and sending them to the corners of the world.

Five Sons and Five Corners A playful family They imagine having five sons and sending them to the corners of the world. The fantasy lets them speak as if a household were possible. A fragile possibility They know the plan is not a practical arrangement. Its value lies in allowing them to share a wish that cannot become their life.

A Home Among Trees A Home Among Trees from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Home Among Trees A place imagined Cantwell and Renata talk about living outside Venice, where they might see trees when they wake.

A Home Among Trees from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Home Among Trees A place imagined Cantwell and Renata talk about living outside Venice, where they might see trees when they wake.

A Home Among Trees A place imagined Cantwell and Renata talk about living outside Venice, where they might see trees when they wake. They discuss the landscapes and forests they would encounter in America. Future as refuge The plans create a temporary shelter from the fact of departure. Their imagined home has emotional reality even though neither can take the other there.

The American Journey The American Journey from "Across the River and into the Trees". The American Journey A route described Cantwell imagines driving from Kansas City through the American West, stopping in hotels and towns.

The American Journey from "Across the River and into the Trees". The American Journey A route described Cantwell imagines driving from Kansas City through the American West, stopping in hotels and towns.

The American Journey A route described Cantwell imagines driving from Kansas City through the American West, stopping in hotels and towns. Renata has already studied maps and guidebooks for the trip. Hope with an edge Her preparation makes the dream vivid, while Cantwell knows he may not live long enough to make it real. Their shared planning becomes both play and grief.

The Road Not Taken The Road Not Taken from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Road Not Taken The imagined journey ends Cantwell and Renata leave their plans for America unfulfilled as he departs Venice.

The Road Not Taken from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Road Not Taken The imagined journey ends Cantwell and Renata leave their plans for America unfulfilled as he departs Venice.

The Road Not Taken The imagined journey ends Cantwell and Renata leave their plans for America unfulfilled as he departs Venice. The trip they described has no place in the actual journey ahead. Memory retained The possibility survives as a shared story rather than a destination. Their imagined home demonstrates how love can make a future vivid without making it attainable.

During their first evening together

During dinner at the Gritti

During breakfast the next morning

During a later conversation in Harry’s Bar

During the farewell before Cantwell leaves