Domesticity

The emptiness of domesticity for the suburban housewife is a central theme of the novella. There are many types of housewives, and many are quite happy with their lives and roles in society. However, for a housewife that lives in a home devoid of even the smallest shred of love, a house is a sort of prison from which there is no escape.

Dorothy was once happy and in love with her husband, but the death of her children and dog causes her domestic life to turn from one of joy into one of horror and grief. Dorothy has an insatiable desire to create joy and experience love. Whether she is having children, buying dogs, or gardening flowers in her yard—Dorothy’s truest desire is to foster growth and love. However, a streak of incredibly terrible luck forces her to endure the deaths of her...