Marjorie’s Affair and James Halstead

The Ax

Marjorie’s connection with James Halstead emerges from loneliness, then ends as she tries to recover her marriage with Burke.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Withdrawn Husband The Withdrawn Husband from "The Ax". The Withdrawn Husband Silence at Home Marjorie experiences Burke as emotionally shut down and increasingly secretive.

The Withdrawn Husband from "The Ax". The Withdrawn Husband Silence at Home Marjorie experiences Burke as emotionally shut down and increasingly secretive.

The Withdrawn Husband Silence at Home Marjorie experiences Burke as emotionally shut down and increasingly secretive. His long absences and private papers make her feel excluded from the crisis they both inhabit. A Need for Conversation She wants a person with whom she can speak freely, laugh, or cry. Her loneliness prepares the conditions for a relationship outside the marriage.

James Offers Attention James Offers Attention from "The Ax". James Offers Attention A Tender Presence James Halstead responds to Marjorie with tenderness and conversation.

James Offers Attention from "The Ax". James Offers Attention A Tender Presence James Halstead responds to Marjorie with tenderness and conversation.

James Offers Attention A Tender Presence James Halstead responds to Marjorie with tenderness and conversation. He, too, has difficulties, and Marjorie can comfort him in ways she feels unable to comfort Burke. An Affair Begins Marjorie responds to that emotional availability. The affair grows from the marriage’s silence rather than from a simple wish to replace her husband.

A Crisis Used as Leverage A Crisis Used as Leverage from "The Ax". A Crisis Used as Leverage The Truth Is Disclosed When Burke resists counseling, Marjorie tells him about the affair.

A Crisis Used as Leverage from "The Ax". A Crisis Used as Leverage The Truth Is Disclosed When Burke resists counseling, Marjorie tells him about the affair.

A Crisis Used as Leverage The Truth Is Disclosed When Burke resists counseling, Marjorie tells him about the affair. She hopes the shock will force a choice between restoring the relationship and ending it. Burke Misreads the Threat Burke initially focuses on identifying and attacking the other man. Marjorie’s attempt to make emotional reality speak becomes, in Burke’s imagination, another target-selection problem.

A Neutral Room A Neutral Room from "The Ax". A Neutral Room Counseling Begins Marjorie and Burke meet Longus Quinlan, who gives them a setting in which to talk about their marriage.

A Neutral Room from "The Ax". A Neutral Room Counseling Begins Marjorie and Burke meet Longus Quinlan, who gives them a setting in which to talk about their marriage.

A Neutral Room Counseling Begins Marjorie and Burke meet Longus Quinlan, who gives them a setting in which to talk about their marriage. The affair can now be discussed without being the only subject. The Secret Remains Marjorie does not know that Burke is committing murders. The counseling can address her loneliness and his withdrawal, but not the full cause of his secrecy.

The Affair Ends The Affair Ends from "The Ax". The Affair Ends A Clear Statement Marjorie tells Burke that she is no longer seeing the other man.

The Affair Ends A Clear Statement Marjorie tells Burke that she is no longer seeing the other man. Her affection gives him a concrete sign that she wants to remain in the marriage. An Unfinished Repair The affair ends, but the couple still must rebuild trust and communication. Their reconciliation begins while Burke continues a deception more serious than the one Marjorie has ended.

Early 1997

Early 1997, before the confession

Late May 1997

Early June 1997