Topic > Comparative Literary Study of Gaston and the Girls in Summer Dresses

Marital conflict, lack of trust, and divorce are some of the major social problems plaguing our society today. In the story "Girls in Summer Dresses" by Irwin Shaw, the author highlights a couple's broken promise to spend the entire Sunday afternoon together after Frances discovers her husband Michael staring at a pretty young girl. On the other hand, in the short story “Gaston” by William Saroyan, the author highlights the challenges faced by a young girl who visits her estranged father and feels hopeless because she perceives her father as a total stranger to her. Thus, the two stories highlight the effects of marriage failure on the affected parties. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay "Girls in Summer Dresses" by Irwin Shaw which highlights the love, infidelity and marriage of Frances and Michael, due to which their marriage is gradually taking a downward spiral due to the desire for Michael for beautiful young women. It is clear that while Frances loves her husband dearly, Michael does not. Frances is in no position to do anything about her situation due to the prevailing social stigma associated with divorce. Michael clearly expresses his infidelity to his wife when he tells her that he doesn't just look at pretty girls. Great to have them too. “I love you, but I also want them.” (Shaw 2000). Michael also doesn't care about Frances' feelings so he calmly watches Frances cry over her infidelity. Michael's relationship with Frances is based on physical attractiveness whereby, despite the pain Frances feels due to Michael's infidelity, he only looks at her and appreciates her beautiful legs instead. to try to understand the emotional damage it is causing her. Frances is illustrated as a loving wife who respects and appreciates her husband while making time to be with him. Although Frances finds that her husband does not truly love her, she calls the Stevensons instead of asking her husband for a divorce since her society does not approve of divorce (Shaw 2000). Society believed that married couples should stay together despite their differences, so divorce was never considered a solution to marital problems. Irwin Shaw (2000), clearly illustrates that marital problem is a social problem that affects the society since all marriages cannot be the same. Irwin illustrates that while some partners view marriage as built on love, trust, and fidelity; other partners value marriage as an attraction to their partners' physical appearance. The story further highlights society's social and religious perception on marriage and divorce, advocating for married couples to stay together despite their many problems. Furthermore, the story depicts the weak woman as illustrated in the relationship shared by Michael and Frances where Michael disrespects his wife and in return society does not allow her to do anything other than remain faithful to her marriage despite its many problems. “Gaston” by William Saroyan highlights the social problems faced by a little girl due to her parents' failed marriage. The story highlights the pain and social pressure experienced by the protagonist at such a young age due to her parents' divorce. Saroyan further highlights the impact of social strangers, his father, on his position in the relationship with his parents. The story highlights the concepts of love and fear experienced by both a father and his daughter due to a failed marriage. The story told in dialogue centers on two main characters: father and daughter. The perception that.