Two Blue Birds by D. H. Lawrence
"Two Blue Birds" by D. H. Lawrence explores the complexities of marital relationships and domestic life through the lens of its central character, Gee, a writer. The story reveals the strained dynamics between Gee and his wife, who, despite their strong attachment, struggle to coexist harmoniously. She frequently escapes to a warmer climate, engaging in discreet affairs, while Gee remains preoccupied with his literary pursuits. The presence of Miss Wrexall, Gee's devoted secretary, adds another layer to their relationship, as she manages his home and supports his work, leading to tensions when his wife returns.
During her brief visit, the wife expresses concern that Miss Wrexall's assistance undermines Gee's professional integrity, hinting at a deeper dissatisfaction with their domestic arrangements. The wife's critique highlights her discomfort with the emotionally detached relationship between her husband and Miss Wrexall, suggesting that it may be detrimental to both his work and their marriage. In the end, Gee's complacency and refusal to adapt his lifestyle raise questions about personal responsibility and the consequences of emotional disengagement. This narrative underscores themes of loyalty, complacency, and the often-unspoken dynamics within relationships, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of love and domesticity.
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Two Blue Birds by D. H. Lawrence
First published: 1927
Type of plot: Domestic realism
Time of work: The early twentieth century
Locale: England
Principal Characters:
Cameron Gee , a novelist and literary journalistHis wife Miss Wrexall , his secretary
The Story
Cameron Gee, a modestly successful literary figure, has been married for several years. For the last three or four years, he and his wife have found it impossible to live together for any length of time, so his wife has taken to spending long holidays in a warmer country, where she carries on discreet love affairs. Gee makes no objections, however, and they seem satisfied with their arrangement. They have a strong attachment to each other but simply cannot live together happily. Busy with his literary work, the husband is helped by Miss Wrexall, an efficient and adoring female secretary, and his home is run by her mother and sister. The long absences of his wife seem irrelevant to Gee, both personally and professionally.
The story focuses on an occasion when the wife is home for a short time; she considers Gee's domestic and professional arrangements and finds them disturbing. She suggests that the secretary is making things too easy for her husband and that his work is suffering as a result of the complaisant way in which the secretary and her family make his life too comfortable. She has no wish to participate in the family, however, and finds the tepid, nonsexual nature of the arrangements between the master and his secretary depressing. When she accuses her husband of abusing the loyalty and adoration of his employee, Miss Wrexall becomes alarmed and protests that the arrangements are both acceptable and innocent, and that she is assured by Gee that he, too, finds their unfeeling relation to his liking. Gee's smug acceptance of the situation at the end of the story seems to suggest that his wife may be right to despise him, and that Miss Wrexall is not telling the full truth. Unmoved by his wife's criticism, Gee has no plan to change the way he lives, or the kind of service that he has come to expect from his servants—especially from his young secretary.