Meg and John Reunited

As we discussed in class, Meg has demonstrated growth through her marital issues with John. Prior to our latest reading, Meg had run into conflict with John after John brought a guest to their house, following Meg's permission to bring guests at any time. 

However, they now face another trial. Meg had become absorbed with the children, eventually ending up neglecting John and also not allowing him to interact with their children when he returned at night. This can be seen when Meg says "No, it would disturb the babies"(249) when John asks to spend time with Meg, and also when she says "Hush! They are just asleep after worrying all day" when John asks to embrace his children. 

At this point, I felt like Meg and John were beginning to grow apart due to Meg's stubbornness. Meg only wanted to spend time with her children, to the point where their household was neglected and John felt uncomfortable within his household. John eventually begins to spend his time within the Scott's household to find some enjoyment in his rather dull life. In her moments of stubbornness, Meg was happy that Scott was enjoying himself elsewhere rather than disturbing the children. 

But what I like about this chapter and how it was written is that Meg self-reflects through a tinge of jealousy and seeks advice from her mother on how to rectify the unfortunate situation she has placed herself within. At the beginning of the conversation, Meg is convinced that she is right and that John is being quite selfish. However, after a thorough back and forth she eventually comes to a realization when she says "I'm afraid I have neglected him sadly, but I thought I was right, and he never said anything"(252). Within one conversation, she realizes the actuality of her household and resolved to open up to her husband and allow him to be involved with the children as well. 

And later on in the chapter, we see a beautiful scene where Meg struggles to not interfere with John and his attempt to put Demi to sleep. John reassures Meg that he will take care of it when he says "Go down, my dear, and leave the boy to me"(255). Eventually, Meg sees Demi fast asleep, cuddled in John's arms and holding his finger. Meg had allowed John to take care of the children and it had worked beautifully. 

I found Chapter 38 quite interesting as I was able to see Meg open up and allow John to contribute to the family, something so small but significant as it reunited the family.