Power In Flats Road Essays - Ethel Wilson, Hetty, Hetty Feather

Power In Flats Road The ending in the novel Hetty Dorval written by Ethel Wilson the ending that is created appears to have little narrative closure to the reader. However, there is the idea that the ending could be symbolic and relate to other aspects of the novel. Upon a first reading the ending is not entirely satisfying, yet once one looks at the minute details that are present in the ending a sense of reflection and realization of the truth in this novel takes place. The ending in Hetty Dorval when first read is not entirely satisfying since there is little closure created for the reader. The reader does not put down the book and think about the brilliant or tragic ending of the characters, but rather, is left to think about what happens in the lives of the characters. Since Hetty and Frankie are present throughout the entire story, and they are constantly interacting with the reader, one does wonder when the novel comes to a close about their fate. All that is left for Wilson's audience to understand about the two characters is the idea that Hetty and Frankie go their separate ways, and a war begins in Vienna. When such an intimate view into the life of two characters is created, this idea of the two just going their separate ways is not satisfying. There is still the urge to want to know about what happens to them in their separation, and in their new lives. Although Wilson's intent was obviously to end the story in this manner, and by her addi ng on to the novel would dramatically increase the length of this short book, something more is still needed in order for the reader to have complete closure with the two main characters. Although the ending does not allow closure for the reader, it is possible for the reader to interpret the novel with some of the ideas that are present in the ending. Throughout the novel the close ties of Hetty and Frankie are present, even when Frankie does not want Hetty in her life, she is there. A perfect example of this is when Frankie has traveled to Vancouver and she is in a jewelry shop looking at some necklaces. She looks up and across the counter is Hetty examining an expensive pearl necklace. ?As we leaned across the counter, I looked up, and there, across the large jewelry store was Hetty?.I looked away from her in something like panic. I did not want, now, to be enthralled by or involved with Hetty again.?(Wilson, pg. 52) This idea of the constant reunions between the two women could be considered symbolically to show how the two women do need each other as friends, and how they are more similar than either one knows. Even in the ending when Frankie makes it clear that she does not want Hetty in her life any longer, Hetty still shows up at Frankie's apartment looking for a place to stay. There is a connection between the two, although both characters do not seem to want to admit it, and by Hetty running to Frankie it can be seen symbolically that Hetty has now become the child in the relationship. At the end of the novel when the two do separate on a more permanent basis, it can be concluded that the two are apart for good and can no longer relate to each other or be apart of the other's life. By analyzing word use in the final chapter of Hetty Dorval one can also interpret different meanings of how the ending could be considered significant. By examining the final sentence in the novel some words present there create a new meaning to the reader. ?There arose a silence around the city, through which only faint, confused sounds were sometimes heard.?(Wilson, pg. 104) The use of the word confusion in the end of the book could easily relate to the beginning of the novel, bringing the readers thoughts back to when they first began to read this lovely tale. Confusion could remind one of the literal confusion that took place within the town of Lytton when Hetty arrived. There was the confusion between the town's people since