A Domestic Dilemma

A detailed Summary of A Domestic Dilemma


Carson McCullers takes the reader on a journey into the lives of a family plagued by

alcoholism in "A Domestic Dilemma". The realism of the story is astounding, as most

people will often find themselves torn when facing difficult family decisions. The

Meadows' family is torn by both compassion and suffering, and Martin Meadows is faced

with one of the most difficult decisions of his life. In A Domestic Dilemma, the author

conveys the idea that individuals facing difficult decisions in marital relationships must

act in the best interest of one's self.

The conflicts in the story surround Martin and Emily's marital relationship. It is

clear that their marriage is deteriorating because of Emily's alcoholism. Emily often

attempts to hide her drinking from her husband and when Martin inquires about his

wife's earlier drinking, she responds "Because I drink a couple of sherries in the

afternoon you're trying to make me out a drunkard." in a sharp, unforgiving tone. Martin

becomes frustrated knowing that he is not able to trust his own wife with any

responsibilities around the house because of her intoxication, "If you could only realize

how sick I am - how bad it is for all of us." He pleads with Emily and tries to calm


causes him to despise Emily's behavior. "His youth was being frittered away by a

tiny hand that lay palm upward." Although Martin and Emily's marriage is covered in a

shows that while Emily is careless and dangerous, Martin is loving and protective.

to his marriage. Many of the outbursts and vital events such as Emily putting cayenne on

what he says?" (page 420 Story and Structure) and "Don't think I don't see through your

his children. Her drunken outbursts and manipulative games confuse the children at their

the most were when Emily was making cinnamon toast for the children, she accidentally



Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1256
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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