The Painted Door

3 Pages 872 Words

The Painted Door
Of the many different mood disorders, depression is the most common, and one of the most misunderstood. While modern research indicated that brain chemical imbalances cause the condition, many people still believe that chronic depression indicates a weak personality or character flaw. This makes seeking help difficult as people hesitate before admitting this weakness, however healing only starts with learning to recognize the symptoms. “The Painted Door’s,” Ann, demonstrates many qualities that lead the reader to believe such disorder is present. Ann is so unhappy due to her dissatisfaction with her lifestyle, her frustration with her husband, and the inner conflict she experiences.
In the first instance, it’s quite clear that Ann is not satisfied with her lifestyle. When John first decides to go visit his father, Ann is quick to explain how lonely she gets while alone in the house. Even though staying home alone is a regular occurrence for her, it’s not something she’s necessarily gotten used to. Ann tries to explain this to John but he doesn’t understand, so she finally gives up;
“Pay no attention to me. Seven years a farmer’s wife– it’s time I was used to staying home alone”

Also, Ann comes to the realization that they are on a path of never ending routine. Each day consists of labour, day in, day out, with nothing to look forward to. Unfortunately, this isn’t good enough for Ann;
“She was young still, eager for excitement and distractions”
Regrettably, these desires of hers are not ones easily fulfilled as a farmer’s wife. Ann is a sociable person but doesn’t get out as much as she’d like. The labour involved in such a lifestyle is constant without much change. All of these norms of being a farmer’s wife are still estranged to Ann, and she doesn’t seem willing to settle for it anymore. The dissatisfaction she holds towards her lifestyle contributes to her unhappine...