What is the plot to a sorrowful woman?

Answer 1

The plot in this story is the progeression of the nameless wife/mother's clinical depression. It is not likely to be post-partum, since the child is a toddler, but the disorder is not uncommon. In the time frame of this story such depression was treated with rest and sleeping potions. However, this kind of depression often requires anitdepressants or SSRI (selective serotinin reuptake inhibitor) medication and even psychotherapy. Without more information there is no way to know if this deporession was part of a bipolar condition with multiyear cycles or unipolar depression. The character frist withdraws from her roles as wife and mother, then stays in her room. She finally isolates her fmaily and forces her husband to take on all the work. (This part hints as mild paranoia, which points to unipolar depression.) She then retreats to the guest room. She appears to improve as she starts taking care of herself, and going out to dinner with her husband. (This is another indication of unipolar depression. She may have better days but not good days.) Finally she retreats entirely refusing to see or talk to anyone. She then prepares herself by ammasing a lot of work a good wife or mother might have done before quietly commiting suicide.

Answer 2

"A Sorrowful Woman" is a short story by Gail Godwin about a woman who becomes overwhelmed with life and withdraws from her family, particularly her husband and son. As she becomes increasingly detached and disinterested, her husband tries to understand her behavior but ultimately fails to connect with her. The story explores themes of isolation, mental health, and the complexities of relationships.