Lois 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?

Lois Matelan You are bringing your own 21st century sensibility to the marriage of Stoner. Your should note that it was not until the 1970's that the concept of ma…moreYou are bringing your own 21st century sensibility to the marriage of Stoner. Your should note that it was not until the 1970's that the concept of marital rape was accepted at all in U.S. law, and not until the 1990's that all U.S. states acknowledged it. Neither Stoner nor Edith had any significant education regarding sexuality, although Stoner, having grown up on a farm, at least probably had more knowledge than his wife did.(less)

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