The primary difference lies in how the husbands' actions and attributes impact her life and well-being.
Good Husbands vs. Bad Husbands: A Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison based on the provided information:
| Feature | Good Husbands | Bad Husbands |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Die eventually, leaving her money. | Are young and wild, bringing conflict. |
| Her Benefit | She can take care of herself with their inheritance. | Cause problems and unhappiness. |
| Her Response | She thrives financially due to their demise. | She seeks revenge due to their poor behavior. |
| Examples | Not given specific characterizations. | The fourth husband has a mistress. |
| Overall Nature | Beneficial for her in death. | Detrimental to her well-being while alive. |
Understanding the Dynamics
The provided information highlights a transactional and perhaps cynical view of marriage. The first three husbands are considered “good” not because they were loving or kind, but because their deaths bring her financial independence. This is not to say that she did not care for them, but rather that their departure financially benefited her. On the other hand, the “bad” husbands are bad not because they are poor but because they create personal distress for her through their behavior.
Actions of Bad Husbands
- The fourth husband's infidelity highlights a clear cause for her unhappiness. This is a concrete example of why her later marriages are deemed negative.
- Their "wild" nature implies a lack of stability, maturity, and respect which contrasts with her more practical and independent approach to marriage and life.
Her Response
- The woman’s response to the fourth husband’s infidelity - pretending to fall in love with someone else - indicates she is not a passive victim but someone who actively seeks to regain control when her needs or feelings are ignored or harmed.
Key Differences Summarized
- Good Husbands: Primarily beneficial in terms of financial resources due to their deaths.
- Bad Husbands: Cause personal and emotional distress through their actions, requiring her to seek ways to deal with the negative consequences.
In essence, the "good" husbands contribute to her independence and financial stability indirectly through their death, while the "bad" husbands cause her problems due to their actions.
