english
...f the family, belittling her mother and father (187). When Maria visited Peggy to find out why Charles Edwards went to New York, she was very forceful. She commanded to know everything and also demanded that Peggy bring her the letter from Harry Goward. Maria, at no point in their conversation, was ever even somewhat sympathetic or sentimental towards Peggy and her feelings. Maria showed the readers her devious and manipulative side when she persuaded Dr. Denbigh to accompany her because her husband was out of town. Maria said she needed “masculine advice” and, of course, Dr. Denbigh “swallowed this delicate bate” (193). Aunt Elizabeth even admitted that Maria was “pretty hard” on her which leads us to believe that Maria has no shame and does not sugar coat the topping (202). Maria, in contrast to Mrs. Talbert, does not show the sentimental norms of most women. Edith Wyatt portrays Mrs. Talbert as a sentimental, thoughtful woman, who was only concerned with her daughter’s emotional well-being. While Charles Edwards was telling Peggy ab...