A’s Wife and the Clandestine Boundary

Simple Passion

Traces how the existence of A’s wife shapes the affair’s concealment, the narrator’s jealousy, and her acceptance of a secondary place.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Marriage in the Background A Marriage in the Background from "Simple Passion". A Marriage in the Background Restricted Possibilities A is married, so the narrator cannot call him freely or send ordinary letters.

A Marriage in the Background from "Simple Passion". A Marriage in the Background Restricted Possibilities A is married, so the narrator cannot call him freely or send ordinary letters.

A Marriage in the Background Restricted Possibilities A is married, so the narrator cannot call him freely or send ordinary letters. His domestic life sets the conditions of their secret meetings. Unequal Exposure The narrator adapts to the constraints rather than demanding a public relationship. The arrangement leaves her vulnerable to his schedule and discretion.

The Unseen Wife The Unseen Wife from "Simple Passion". The Unseen Wife Imagined Intimacy Whenever the narrator sees A’s wife, she imagines the couple making love.

The Unseen Wife from "Simple Passion". The Unseen Wife Imagined Intimacy Whenever the narrator sees A’s wife, she imagines the couple making love.

The Unseen Wife Imagined Intimacy Whenever the narrator sees A’s wife, she imagines the couple making love. The vision torments her even when she judges the wife plain. No Comfort in Comparison Believing A may be with his wife merely because she is nearby does not ease the narrator’s pain. Jealousy persists despite her attempts to diminish the rival.

Avoiding Public Meetings Avoiding Public Meetings from "Simple Passion". Avoiding Public Meetings Fear of Recognition The narrator avoids events where A and his wife might both be present.

Avoiding Public Meetings from "Simple Passion". Avoiding Public Meetings Fear of Recognition The narrator avoids events where A and his wife might both be present.

Avoiding Public Meetings Fear of Recognition The narrator avoids events where A and his wife might both be present. She fears that a familiar gesture could expose the bond between them. Self-restraint as Protection Not touching his neck or adjusting his clothes protects the secret. It also forces her to deny ordinary signs of closeness.

Jealousy Without Proof Jealousy Without Proof from "Simple Passion". Jealousy Without Proof A’s Possible Other Life The narrator imagines A spending time with his wife or another woman.

Jealousy Without Proof from "Simple Passion". Jealousy Without Proof A’s Possible Other Life The narrator imagines A spending time with his wife or another woman.

Jealousy Without Proof A’s Possible Other Life The narrator imagines A spending time with his wife or another woman. She tries to locate him and infer what he is doing. The Single-Woman Threat She recognizes that even one available woman could be enough to attract him. The fear cannot be neutralized by counting rivals or guests.

The Unequal Ending The Unequal Ending from "Simple Passion". The Unequal Ending A’s Established Life A returns to a country where his work and marriage continue. The narrator is left with memories and no agreed future.

The Unequal Ending from "Simple Passion". The Unequal Ending A’s Established Life A returns to a country where his work and marriage continue. The narrator is left with memories and no agreed future.

The Unequal Ending A’s Established Life A returns to a country where his work and marriage continue. The narrator is left with memories and no agreed future. Desire Without Claim She refuses to judge whether he was worth the suffering. The affair’s meaning lies in its effect on her, not in a claim over his life.

from the beginning of their affair

during the affair

during the clandestine relationship

during the summer intensification

after A returns to his country