Glenmurray's Reflections

I found Glenmurray’s final concern of Adeline’s fate interesting, and the regret he feels regarding societal standards close to the time of his death. He has enough insight to realize that his contribution to the expectations of that time led to the demise of Adeline, who made the fatal mistake of rejecting the institution of marriage. This being said, he wants Adeline to marry in order to avoid loneliness and an “injured reputation.” Despite his admittance that the system is flawed, he still adheres to the oppressive standards reflected in his final wishes for Adeline. He is good in his intentions and only wants the best for her, but it seems that it is too late for her to recover. Instead of urging Adeline to rejoin society, perhaps he could have attempted to have more of an impact on her life by suggesting a less repressive option. A few posts mentioned how illness fuels the plot and creates the ideal scenario for a character’s true colors to show. Characters on their deathbed (Adeline, Glenmurray, Miss Woodville, Mrs. Norberry) in Adeline Mowbray reveal how they really feel, whether about marriage, society, or sins they may have committed. Glenmurray’s last thoughts reflect how society during that time desperately needed to reevaluate its gender expectations.