Several characters experience alienation in As for Me and My House. Phillip Bentley feels alienated professionally because he has given up his dream of being an artist to take a series of positions as a minister. Because he is motivated solely by economical necessity and not spiritual devotion, Phillip feels alienated from his congregation, who are prone to close-mindedness and bigotry.
Mrs. Bentley feels alienated because she is forced to move frequently for her husband's...
Several characters experience alienation in As for Me and My House. Phillip Bentley feels alienated professionally because he has given up his dream of being an artist to take a series of positions as a minister. Because he is motivated solely by economical necessity and not spiritual devotion, Phillip feels alienated from his congregation, who are prone to close-mindedness and bigotry.
Mrs. Bentley feels alienated because she is forced to move frequently for her husband's job. Each time, she must leave what few friends she made and start over in a strange place where she knows no one. She and her husband are also alienated from each other. Unable to talk about their feelings, the couple alternate between complete silence and angry arguments.
Paul also suffers from emotional alienation when he falls in love with Mrs. Bentley and his feelings are not reciprocated. She sees Paul as merely a distraction from the monotony of her marriage, but Phillip still views Paul as a threat.
Judith feels alienated when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock, possibly from an affair with Phillip, so she leaves her community in disgrace. The Bentleys plan to adopt her baby without consulting her, and when she discovers their plans, she flees, leading to her baby's premature birth and her death. In Judith's case, her extreme alienation proves fatal.
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