September+17+-+Edna+St.+Vincent+Millay+and+Dorothy+Parker

Woman and Distressed” (1923) (ER) Dorothy Parker, “Big Blonde” (1929) (ER)
 * T **** 9/17: ** Edna St. Vincent Millay, “I Think I Should Have Loved You Presently” (1922) and “I, Being Born a
 * →Response Papers:** Group 1 (2/4)

Millay describes two separate conclusions to similar situations. Would you rather live your life without knowing what could have been or live with the memory of a failure or a heartbreak?

Can you truly accept and love someone in spite of their flaws? Is regret a form of self reflection? Can time be a factor in a relationship?

How does alcohol affect relationships and the people involved? Why do some people see the need to seek refuge in the use of alcohol or other narcotics?

Who was at fault for the Morse marriage failing? Is there something that could have saved their marriage before it was too late?

Was Mrs. Morse's decline aided more by mental incompetence or the ideals of society at the time?

My Question: Why is it that in a time period where women had received the right to vote and women’s liberation expanded, that some still remained stuck in the old ways? Why do women remain loyal and complacent to people when it just brings them unhappiness? Can they break the cycle or is it just a certain mindset that cannot be changed? What could Mrs. Morse have done to liberate herself after her husband left her?