Illusion versus reality: marriage in modern literatureModern literature is known for questioning society and its various conventions. A question these works often ask is: “What is real?” Some modern authors explore this question by placing their characters in self-constructed illusions which are then shattered by the introduction of reality. Weddings are often the focus of this theme, with one spouse creating an illusory impression of the other. Modern literature demonstrates that a marriage built on illusion will fail when exposed to reality. To understand the effects of illusion on marriages in modern literature, we will explore two plays: The Dead by James Joyce and Odor of Chrysanthemums by DH Lawrence. Both stories have central characters who have created and lived with a false image of their spouse and marriage. First, I will discuss Elizabeth Bates' negative and mean view of her husband in Odor of Chrysanthemums. Second, I will contrast this negative illusion with Joyce's character, Gabriel Conroy, who painted a positive, idealized picture of his wife and their mutual affection. Elizabeth Bates is an unhappy woman, especially when it comes to her husband's drinking habits. . She reflected bitterly: “…he had probably passed his house, slipped past his own door, to drink before going in, while his dinner was spoiled and wasted while he waited” (Lawrence 2247). Although her husband had been brought home drunk before (2249), she has no evidence that this was the case that day. This assumption is at the heart of Elizabeth's illusion. Instead of worrying about her husband's safety, she chooses to believe that he has no respect for her... middle of paper ...... to go on to live a much happier life with d other partners. The cases of Elizabeth and Gabriel demonstrate to readers of modern literature that a marriage based on illusion – whether positive or negative – cannot withstand the pressure of reality, and my own experience confirms this notion. . However, my personal experience provides a glimpse of one possibility: there can be happiness after the quick hit of reality. Let's hope that, in the recesses of the authors' minds, Elizabeth and Gabriel were able to find their own happiness. Works Cited Joyce, James. “The Dead”. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. general. Stephen Greenblatt. 8th ed. Flight. F. New York: Norton, 2006. 2245-2258. Print.Lawrence, DH “Smell of chrysanthemums”. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. general. Stephen Greenblatt. 8th ed. Flight. F. New York: Norton, 2006. 2172-2199. Print.