Sister Mary Praise Cutting Stone Summary

Chapter 3 surveyed a wide variety of interpretations of the story of Martha and Mary. I particularly appreciated William Carter's analysis of Martha and Mary's story. He likens these sister's partnership as one in ministry. Some people tend to be like Mary whereas others have a tendency to be more like Martha - incline to let the business of our lives of service distract us from reserving time to spend with Jesus. As the conversation between Jesus, Martha, and Mary persist, it is interesting to note that Jesus mildly admonishes Martha for being concerned (not for serving), while service is a good thing, sitting at Jesus' feet is a better choice.

During that time, it was considered improper for a woman to express her feelings like anger or dislike. She says, "I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes" (pg278), and the narrator blamed it on her mental condition rather than saying that she was actually tired of her husband's way of treating her illness. She felt secluded, useless and trapped. Yet, she still had to follow and accept that kind of social rule. Women were expected to be good in doing the house chores and taking care children. In the story, the narrator mentions about John's sister who was a perfect housekeeper and hoped for no better profession. There is also Mary who was so good with the Baby. The author was actually trying to send images to the readers that it was expected attitudes in her society and was part of their culture which women were forced to follow.

provide a child for anymore. Mary needed someone in her life and if she lost him she would be

Verghese conveys the understanding that unmarried women whom engage in sexual activity are punished through agony or physical mutilation. In the novel Sister Mary Joseph Praise, a nun, has an unwed romantic relationship with Dr. Thomas Stone. She becomes pregnant, but she keeps her mouth shut until she is found, almost dead, in labor. She ultimately dies from complications of the delivery process and blood loss. This analogy displays she paid the ultimate price, death, as a nun engaging in sex and becoming pregnant. On reflection to the situation, Hema, the gynecologist, explains that everyone, including her, should have noticed that the relationship between Dr. Stone and Sister Mary was more than just close medical colleagues. Her thoughts imply that if it would have been an accepted relationship then Sister Mary would not have died. Her thoughts include, “Propose to her! Marry her. Get her to discard her habit, renege on her vows. It’s clear her first vow is to you” (Verghese, 2009, p.125). She then bluntly states that the conclusion of their relationship may have been different if they carried their relationship out in the right way (Verghese, 2009, p.125). This clearly implicates that this was Sister Marys’ punishment for her immoral sexual behavior.

It is fortunate Mary is so good with the baby. Such a dear baby!” (Gilman 3).

     When a woman learns that she is pregnant she tells her husband whom then goes and builds her a place for her last three months of pregnancy. Men were not allowed to be present at the birth of a child unless he was a priest who was invited to pray over the mother while she was in

Even thought both were working full time and physically absent most of the time, the difference in their parenting style had influenced their kid’s life in different way. Unlike Joy, who was strict and fixed rules and clear expectations for her son, Mary had a permissive and uninvolved parenting style. Mary did not teach her son much discipline, she was lenient and intervened minimally only when she faced serious problem. She even gave her son unclear message about what is inappropriate, by the role model she played. Especially when Wes found the weed on her closet (59).In the contrary, Joy fixed clear rules at home, like her reaction when Wes punched his sister, she said while talking to her husband,<< Wes, he needs to learn what is acceptable and what is not>>

The narrator’s varying stately yet fervent tone illustrates her obligatory feelings as well as her true emotions regarding her husband and lifestyle through her descriptions of the “nursery” where she is confined (Gilman, 648). John, since he is both her husband and doctor, “hardly lets [her] stir without special direction,” characteristic of patriarchs of the family; he also “laughs at [her], of course, but one one expects that in marriage.” (Gilman, 648 and 647). Since the narrator feels

Being ill, she was unable to do much. Although, she did make a fellow friend who was ill because of the sanitarium. Her name was Agatha Holloway. She was soon to be engaged, had a job, and what seemed like a good life, until the illness hit her. Agatha asked Mary questions on marriage, which Mary replied with uncertainty. Being a young mother, she lacked experience. Her kind heart gave her the best answer she could, though.

Mary is also struggling against a feeling of displacement. It’s ironic that the two things she places most importance on are the two things she doesn’t posses. Her parents ignore her up until their deaths and she has no friends due to a bitter

Mary’s earliest memories were of education in fact, these were her only memories. Her security blanket was a set of q-cards. Her pacifier, a dose of caffeine. Her story book, the McGraw-Hill math text book. When her parents looked down on Coeus with tenderness, and care she was subjected to looks of disgust, and loathing.

In the passage taken from chapter 11, the quote exhibits Akiko telling the nurse that she is pregnant and “it was a miracle of sorts. ”(305-06) This passage uses descriptive imagery to illustrate the growth and development of a child while in womb. In parallel to the passage, the passage addresses a larger argument through other means, such as the use of DES and its effect on fertility.

Marya was not a planned pregnancy; her parents both actors and directors were both surprised by her conception (Hombacher, 1999, p. 17, 29). Her mother, a "woman trapped in a family she didn't want, bitter and resentful", her "father was the

After his unexpected death, she became a live-in housekeeper for an elderly minister. The Puritan townspeople, who hated this certain minister because of his “liberal” ways, accused the minister and Mary of living improperly together. Attempting to quell the rising accusations, the minister told the townspeople he and Mary married secretly. Mary continued in the minister’s house, but became involved with a neighbor. Their affair became public when she became pregnant with her neighbor’s child in 1651.

First, the protagonist in the story, Lane Dean finds out that his college girlfriend is pregnant. The author characterizes Lane as a very religious person who has strong values. When he finds out about his girlfriends pregnancy he questions his own faith. “He had liked just being with her and talking to her. She was serious in her faith and values in a way that lane had liked and now, sitting here wither her on the table, found himself afraid of. This was an awful thing. He was starting to believe that he might not be serious in his faith” (Wallace 151). Lane dean who is nineteen believes that it is a sin to have