What type of relationship between Moses and Mary?

[Leajk]

Just having finished the book I'm trying to understand the exact relationship between Moses and Mary Turner. The stupid back-cover of my book suggested they would be lovers. However to me it appears that the only thing that happens is him starting to take care of her (giving her flowers, telling her to eat and sleep, clothing her), almost in a father like manner (she even compares him to her father after a dream sequence). This thought inappropriate by their surroundings and might explain Slatter's dissaproval. Then again it doesn't explain any of Moses' motif. Any thoughts?

[Stella]

It did seem ambiguous, this relationship between Moses and Mary Turner, yet perhaps that was it. The relationships between all parties were totally unhealthy; we were given the impression that she married her husband because it was expected of her, yet she married the man she should never have married because it echoed the unhappy years of her childhood. She did not have the ability to get real friends because the image of herself was elevated and not real--perhaps the relationship between Moses and Mary Turner was real love, because it was the unexpected, the deep giving to a person because they were simply human.

[Leajk]

Thank you for your answer! I think you're absolutely right about Mary marrying her husband because of her childhood experiences. But if Mary and Moses shared a real love (despite of her racism) - then how does one explain the ending? (It is over two years ago I read the book now, but I remember being very perplexed over the ending.)

[Stella]

Love and hate have a close relationship, perhaps, especially when one partner totally diminishes another.

[Leajk]

Yes, but she was (by that time at least) a nasty type of woman, diminishing him from the start - why would he suddenly be offended?

[Stella]

I'm not totally sure--my memory of it isn't as clear now--but I thought there was a slow growth of love toward each other, but who knows, perhaps it was revenge from the start of their relationship and a pretense on the part of Moses, but this is pure speculation, I should go back and read it again!

[Leajk]

Well, I have to admit my memory might be failing me as well on the details, and since I didn't particularly like the book I dread a re-read even though of course that's the logical thing to do!

Interesting ideas. I think it might be implied that Moses, for all the kindness of his heart and patience, had a temper when pressed beyond a certain point - so that might explain it. Then I also remember thinking it might not have been him at all.

[Stella]

Interesting!