The Best of Everything by Richard Yates
"The Best of Everything" by Richard Yates is a poignant exploration of relationships and communication set against the backdrop of an impending wedding. The narrative centers on Grace, who is grappling with her decision to marry Ralph, a man from a working-class background. As her wedding day approaches, Grace finds herself questioning her choice, influenced by her sophisticated roommate, Martha, who openly critiques Ralph's limited interests and social status. The story unfolds on the eve of the wedding, highlighting the contrasts between Grace's romantic ideals and Ralph's reluctance to leave behind his male friendships.
Through a series of misunderstandings and missed connections, both characters confront their insecurities and fears about marriage. Martha’s departure from the apartment is meant to facilitate intimacy between Grace and Ralph, yet Ralph remains oblivious to Grace's hopes, choosing instead to prioritize his stag party. The tension between desire and societal expectations is palpable as the characters navigate their emotions, ultimately revealing the complexities of love and commitment. This narrative invites readers to reflect on the challenges of understanding and connection within intimate relationships.
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The Best of Everything by Richard Yates
First published: 1954
Type of plot: Fiction of manners
Time of work: The early 1950's
Locale: Manhattan, New York City
Principal Characters:
Grace , the bride-to-beRalph , the groom-to-beMartha , Grace's roommate
The Story
The Friday before Grace's weekend wedding, her coworkers give her gifts and treat her to lunch. Ralph gets a bonus from his employer, but when he calls Grace to arrange a date for that evening, he harbors a secret disappointment. His male friends have ignored the occasion. He has to stop by his friend Eddie's house to pick up a suitcase he is borrowing, and then he will travel into Manhattan to see his fiancé that evening.
With the wedding so near, Grace finds she still doubts her choice of a husband. Her sophisticated roommate Martha has been quick to point out Ralph's deficiencies. He comes from a working-class family (as does Grace) and has a menial job. His friends work menial jobs, too. His interests are limited to sports teams, and his command of English is substandard. He pronounces toilet as "terlet." Despite Martha's disapproval, Grace agrees to marry Ralph but silently fears that Martha is right. Grace attempts to elevate Ralph's status by calling him "darling" and giving him her best imitation of Martha's cultured smile.
When Grace returns home after work, she finds that Martha has cleaned the apartment, prepared dinner, and arranged to leave town immediately. Martha apologizes for her past, harsh judgment of Ralph and explains that she is leaving the apartment so Grace can be alone with Ralph that evening. She says her absence is a wedding gift. She gives Grace a knowing smile, implying that Grace has postponed sex with Ralph long enough. This night she should take Ralph into her bed. Grace grasps Martha's intent and makes it her own. After her roommate departs, she puts on a sheer, white nylon negligee she has been saving for the wedding night. She settles in with a glass of sherry to await Ralph's arrival, feeling like the female lead in a romantic film.
Ralph has doubts of his own. He fears that marriage will force him to give up the companionship of other males, which gives him great pleasure. When he is surprised at Eddie's house with a stag party, he regrets having made the date with Grace. His friends provide beer, heavy food, and a gift of a much-coveted new suitcase—along with a kinship and camaraderie Ralph knows he will never feel with Grace. Nevertheless, he leaves the party and goes to her, arriving late. Failing to notice Grace's negligee and seductive demeanor, Ralph never considers breaking the pattern of abstinence established during their courtship. Besides, he is having more fun with his friends than he has ever had with Grace. He makes his excuses and leaves hastily to return to his stag party. Before departing, he asks, "Mind if I use ya terlet?"