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The Difference | Introduction

Although Ellen Glasgow’s literary reputation rests on the strengths and popularity of her numerous novels, it was in her short stories that the author first began to explore one of her important themes—the female consciousness. Her interest in issues such as women’s problems carrying on a career or in not marrying—issues that Glasgow faced—has since led many critics to call her an early supporter of women’s rights, long before it became a national issue.

In ‘‘The Difference,’’ published in 1923 in both Harpers Magazine and the short story collection The Shadowy Third and Other Stories, Glasgow effectively grapples with the role of women in turn-of-the-century society. In it she portrays a Victorian woman’s discovery of her husband’s infidelity and examines the heroine’s difficulty in adjusting her romantic ideals to those of the modern world. With this story, Glasgow’s story also indirectly points out the restrictive nature of women’s role in early-twentieth-century society. Glasgow, whose writings were largely concerned with chronicling the South’s history and changing cultural conditions, shows herself to be equally skillful at depicting the more interior woman’s world.

The story, however, generated little attention at the time of its publication. Such disregard is a reflection, not of the story’s quality, but of Glasgow’s distinguished and productive career as a novelist, which lessened interest in the author’s short fiction. Although most reviewers in the early 1920s commented favorably on the story, as do contemporary critics, it remains until present-day as a sidenote in most discussions of Glasgow’s writings. Yet, of the relatively few short stories Glasgow published, ‘‘The Difference’’ is generally considered one of her best. In it, Glasgow clearly demonstrates her ability both to produce a well-crafted story as well as create a realistic and universal heroine.

The Difference Summary

As the story opens, Margaret Fleming stands at the window of her home, watching the leaves fall in an autumn wind. Margaret has just received a letter from a woman named Rose Morrison, a woman who claims to be in love with and loved by Margaret’s husband of 20 years, George. As Margaret contemplates the destruction of her happiness, George enters the room. The couple talk of household matters, demonstrating the ease with which Margaret cares for George’s personal and professional needs. Then he departs again, leaving Margaret alone with her complete terror at the unexpected turn this most important relationship has taken.

As Margaret vows to fight for George, the butler announces the arrival of Margaret’s friend Dorothy. This lifelong friend uncannily brings up a pertinent topic: the refusal of a mutual friend to give her philandering husband a divorce and his subsequent return to their home. Margaret declares her incomprehension at the friend’s actions, wondering why she would want to stay with her husband when he does not love her. Thus the two friends embark on a short debate on love. Dorothy points out that Margaret sees love as ‘‘a kind of abstract power,’’ but for the friend’s husband, as with most men, love is simply a way of feeling. Margaret believes that a man cannot love two women at the same time. Dorothy finds Margaret desperately naive, pointing out that a marriage provides a man and a woman with more than merely love. Then Dorothy asks Margaret what turns out to be a crucial question: ‘‘Would you [give up your... » Complete The Difference Summary