Summary
Following an unspecified tragedy, Mrs. McNair stands as a testament to resilience and grace. Despite her trauma, she embodies the quintessential attributes of a young, contented wife—neat, cheerful, and ever-polite. She adheres to social norms, returning library books promptly and nodding in agreement to the political views of others, all while carrying the weight of her past.
Life in the Dutch Farmhouse
Mrs. McNair resides alone during the weekdays in a seventeenth-century Dutch farmhouse, nestled along the picturesque lower Hudson River in New York State. Her husband, who spends his weekdays in the city, is merely a weekend visitor. In this serene yet mystical environment, she finds solace with her stallion and her loyal silver dog, Blue Boy. Her days are filled with reading tales of the supernatural and indulging in long horseback rides, which maintain a special allure for her since her inexplicable tragedy.
Perceptions of Neighbors
The story introduces Mr. DePuy, a neighbor who observes Mrs. McNair during her morning rides. He perceives her as reckless, perhaps even arrogant, and finds himself wishing for her to experience a fall. Despite being a generally benevolent man, her apparent heedlessness unsettles him. Contrastingly, Mrs. DePuy empathizes with the underlying sorrow fueling Mrs. McNair's behavior, recognizing she now lives without fear. This duality of pity and envy colors her view of Mrs. McNair.
Hints of Past Tragedy
Interspersed throughout the narrative are veiled references to Mrs. McNair's tragedy, though its specifics remain undisclosed until the tale's conclusion. Meanwhile, glimpses into her dreamlike existence emerge. As a child, she wandered in her sleep, prompting her parents to seek psychiatric advice. The psychiatrist, sympathetic, imparted wisdom about the mystical insights of children, which quelled her nocturnal wanderings. As an adult grappling with loss, she clings to the comfort of these words.
Visions of Her Son
One night, her slumber is disturbed by strange sounds from a guest room, where she finds her son, who had died at birth, now a two-year-old wearing worn but clean pajamas. His eyes remain unchanged—dark and unwavering. Silent yet comforting, his presence fills her with peace. Over the next six months, she meets him in this ethereal space six more times, crafting an alternate life and mother for him. She relates her dual existence to that of her husband, who juggles two separate lives in the city and the country. In her world, the daytime feels like a dream, whereas her nocturnal encounters are vivid and real.
Accepting the Dream
Mrs. McNair is indifferent to whether these nocturnal reunions with her son are imagined or real. What truly matters is the connection forged during these meetings. Through her "dream child," she experiences the full extent of children's magical insights, remaining blissfully happy with her horse rides outpacing any fear, eagerly awaiting her son's nightly return.
The Revelation of Tragedy
The narrative ultimately unveils the nature of her sorrow. In the midst of a seemingly smooth natural childbirth, hailed by her doctor as an uncomplicated delivery, her son passes away. The doctor’s frantic efforts to revive the child are unsuccessful. As her husband succumbs to faintness, Mrs. McNair is sedated. The following morning, a nurse mistakenly presents her with another's baby, which Mrs. McNair receives with profound joy and relief, believing it to be her own. When the mistake is realized, both mother and child protest vehemently, unable to part until Mrs. McNair is sedated once more.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.