Noon Wine

I found Mr. Thompson’s division of gender roles very interesting. He divides not only male and female work but he also divides the boss’ and hired mans work. It seems as though Mr. Thompson is preoccupied with this notion of separating roles even though his wife does not contribute because of her physical health. Not only is her concerned with a person’s roles, he is also concerned with the way in which others view him. The perception people have of him is very important to him because “It was his dignity and his reputation that he cared about” (Porter 233). People had to see him performing only ‘manly’ work or else his reputation, something very important to him, would be tainted. It is evident in the way Mr. Thompson dies that he cares a lot much about what other people think. Mr. Thompson “struck out to the farthest end of his fields” (Porter 267). He did not want anyone to see what he was about to do; he is ashamed and embarrassed and therefore he travels to the farthest corner of his property to kill himself. He knows he is a coward and he does not want others to witness this flaw in his character.