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Marriage, Babies, and Choice

Animals

Laura and Tyler's arguments about marriage and parenthood expose the social scripts each woman fears being forced to follow.

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The Baby DreamThe Baby Dream from "Animals". The Baby Dream Laura wonders how she feels about babies and remembers a recurring dream in which she examines babies stretching endlessly across a room.
The Baby Dream Laura wonders how she feels about babies and remembers a recurring dream in which she examines babies stretching endlessly across a room. A Question Without an Answer The dream does not tell her whether she wants a child; it makes the possibility emotionally vivid. Significance Her uncertainty is not a rejection of care but a refusal to pretend that desire is simple.
Tyler's Baby ClubTyler's Baby Club from "Animals". Tyler's Baby Club Tyler describes parenthood as entry into a badly run club, where new parents welcome arrivals because leaving is no longer easy.
Tyler's Baby Club Tyler describes parenthood as entry into a badly run club, where new parents welcome arrivals because leaving is no longer easy. Fear of Constriction She insists she might someday choose a baby, but refuses to sell motherhood as an exclusive adventure. Significance Her provocation is partly a defense against loneliness and the fear that everyone she loves will move on without her.
No ProtectionNo Protection from "Animals". No Protection Laura tells Tyler that she and Jim have stopped using protection, while insisting that this does not mean she wants to become pregnant.
No Protection Laura tells Tyler that she and Jim have stopped using protection, while insisting that this does not mean she wants to become pregnant. A Risk Accepted She says she would have an abortion, but then questions whether anyone can be fully certain about parenthood. Significance The disclosure reveals that Laura's choices are already moving ahead of her conscious plans.
The Question of DesireThe Question of Desire from "Animals". The Question of Desire Laura asks Jacqueline whether motherhood began as a desire of her own or fear of missing out.
The Question of Desire Laura asks Jacqueline whether motherhood began as a desire of her own or fear of missing out. No Universal Formula Jacqueline says she thought she might be missing something, and Laura admits she too can be a brat who wants everything. Significance The exchange complicates the assumption that either motherhood or childlessness is self-explanatory.
A Chosen BoundaryA Chosen Boundary from "Animals". A Chosen Boundary Laura takes a small nightly pill and decides not to pass her own uncertainty and distress on through pregnancy.
A Chosen Boundary Laura takes a small nightly pill and decides not to pass her own uncertainty and distress on through pregnancy. Responsibility Without Certainty She knows that the decision is not an argument against parenthood in general, but a limit she can choose for herself. Significance The choice marks a rare refusal to let possibility or social expectation make the decision in her place.
After Shirley's birth
At Shirley's christening
During the London visit
During Laura's visit to Jacqueline
During Laura's week at her parents' home