Maureen answers “I am completely shocked by interpretations...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Stoner:

I am completely shocked by interpretations of this book. I am really extremely confused and would love any clarity. As far as I understand fr my reading, in this book, Stoner rapes his wife repeatedly for the first year of their marriage, and later she hates him and wants to keep their daughter away from him. In most reviews I've read, his wife's behavior is pointed to as irrational and cruel. How?? What am I missing?

Maureen Henderson I think it's honestly reflective of the times in which Stoner and Edith were married. At the beginning of the 20th century, most women came to the mar…moreI think it's honestly reflective of the times in which Stoner and Edith were married. At the beginning of the 20th century, most women came to the marital bed completely ignorant of how things would proceed, and were frankly told that they most assuredly would not enjoy it. It was their duty, however, for procreative purposes, to "submit" to their husband's desires. Men were told they had a right to this woman's body as part of the marriage contract and for the purpose of propagation. I completely bought this sad relationship; it wasn't at all uncommon for the times. (less)

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