Diana - Tenant Ch 16-19

Helen's list of reasons why she didn't want to marry Mr. Boarham (Mr. Bore 'em, as she thought of him) spoke loudly to why marriages in today's American culture are not arranged (131).

• He was at least twenty years older than she
• He was narrow-minded and bigoted
• Their tastes and feelings were wholly dissimilar
• His looks, voice, and manner displeased her
• She had a complete aversion to him

Today's American women would not tolerate these discrepancies any better than did Helen in the 1800s. However, I find it curious that Helen is so blinded by Mr. Huntingdon's good looks. Mr. Boarham cares for Helen in a way that Mr. Huntingdon probably never will, judging from his conceit. One passage in particular reveals this:

". . .she's thinking how pleasant it will be, and how tender and faithful he will find her."
"And perhaps," suggested I, "how tender and faithful she shall find him."
"Perhaps--for there is no limit to the wild extravagance of hope's imaginings, at such an age." (151)

It's quite evident here that he has no intention of being faithful to Helen, if she accepts him. He does change his sentiment in the next few paragraphs, presumably to capture her fancy. I feel toward Helen the way I do toward Scarlett O'Hara -- I want to reach into the book and slap some sense into her.