Little Woman by Sally Benson
"Little Woman" by Sally Benson explores the dynamics of a marriage between Ralph Loomis and his petite wife, Penny. The story contrasts their physical stature, with Ralph being tall and protective, while Penny embodies a delicate, dependent nature. Initially, their relationship appears fulfilling, as they enjoy entertaining friends and each other’s company. However, as time progresses, it becomes evident that Penny's small stature imposes limitations on their social life and personal interactions. Ralph’s attempts to encourage Penny to engage with other women and develop friendships outside their marriage are met with resistance, as she fears judgment and ridicule. This dynamic leads to Ralph's growing frustration and realization that he may prefer the company of others, especially as he discovers the burdens that come with Penny's dependency. The narrative delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of marital companionship, ultimately revealing the challenges faced by both partners as their lives become increasingly isolated and constrained by Penny's perceived helplessness.
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Little Woman by Sally Benson
First published: 1938
Type of plot: Domestic realism
Time of work: The 1930's
Locale: An unidentified American city
Principal Characters:
Penny Loomis , a short womanRalph Loomis , her tall husbandMr. Merrick , andMrs. Merrick , Ralph's client and his wife
The Story
From their first meeting, tall Ralph Loomis is attracted to Penny because of her tiny stature. They both enjoy the attention they receive because of the contrast between their heights. In the few months following their marriage, they entertain friends and seem to experience a satisfying relationship. Ralph enjoys being the protector of such a tiny dependent person; Penny relishes his attentive wonder over her ability to function as an ordinary wife.
Gradually their circle of activity diminishes. Even in the early days of their entertaining, the guests are mostly men. They have no children, and Penny makes few friends. Ralph encourages Penny to leave the apartment and meet with women friends, perhaps to play bridge, but Penny refuses on the grounds that renewing a friendship with the tall Louise Matson would make her look ridiculous.
Even their vacations are affected by Penny's size and helplessness. When they go on fishing trips to Canada, Ralph must carry Penny over rough terrain and protect her from such unpleasant sights and experiences as hooking a fish. Ralph eventually accommodates himself to Penny's size by choosing a lodge close to the fishing area.
This kind of accommodation pervades many aspects of Ralph's life, for example, choosing first-row seats in theaters, putting objects on low shelves, and walking slowly. The slightest suspicion of criticism, however, even if expressed as sympathy about the limitations imposed by her small stature, arouses Penny's resentment.
Penny protests that she stays busy, and this suggestion of constant physical movement supports Ralph's observation that her life is limited to physical activity. When he suggests she make friends with women, have interests outside the home, or read, she insists, even as she flits restlessly around the apartment, that she has all she needs to make her happy and satisfied. After ten years of married life, Ralph goes on a business trip to Chicago and makes a discovery: He not only does not miss Penny, he actually prefers the companionship of his client, Mr. Merrick, and his wife, Nellie. He writes Penny enthusiastically about his pleasurable experiences with the couple and tells her that they will take the Merricks to dinner when they visit.
At the ensuing dinner, Ralph observes the contrasts between Mrs. Merrick and his wife. Mrs. Merrick is slightly overweight, but she is unconcerned about her physical appearance. In contrast, Penny is carefully dressed in a ruffled pink taffeta dress and matching shoes that make her look extremely young. Even Ralph realizes that this young look is not appropriate for a thirty-five-year-old woman. In conversation, Mrs. Merrick expresses herself with dignity but not vanity. Penny speaks brightly and animatedly but apparently with little thought, because Mr. Merrick listens with a frozen smile. The two couples part, relieved, at the end of the evening. As Ralph and Penny return to their apartment in the rain, Ralph realizes that the raindrops reflect harshly on Penny's face. When he automatically picks her up so that she will not get wet, he realizes with surprise that his little woman has become a burden to carry.