If you were Beth, would you have chosen Frank or Gabriel? Why?
Well I would have chosen Frank! He saved her and they had a good life on the farm. Of course they struggled after Booby’s death, but all in all she was ok with being a farmer’s wife.
Frank was deeply committed to Beth. He was the “solid” in her life. I can’t see her as Gabriel’s partner in the social circles in which he lived.
The relationship Beth had with Gabriel was during her teens. We all evolve and change through our twenties. Frank fit Beth in so many ways; she was obviously very happy with him and the life they had built together. Gabriel brought back that “first love” before the heart-wrenching pain.
I think this is a tough one. Practicality would say to choose Frank and have a solid life. And Frank was a genuinely good person, solid and stable. Gabriel was that first love, exciting, secretive, and the one that I think she had to win. I don’t know though if she and Gabriel would have been able to last, especially with his mother and the social connections. So I don’t know - as an outsider I would say that she should choose Frank - but if I were Beth would it be heart or brain that would make the decision?
If it hadn’t been for Gabriel’s mother, I think Beth and Gabriel could have lasted. At least initially; there’s no guarantee in marriage. There would not have been any need for Frank to heroically marry Beth if Gabriel’s family had been supportive, allowing Gabriel to remain in college. Beth certainly would not be the only female from a “lesser” background to have married up financially. No need to cite well known current examples.
That’s a tough one, Beth and Gabriel had an intense connection that was easily reconnected even after so much time elapsed, they may have had a strong marriage if his family hadn’t intervened, but Beth and Frank appeared to be very happy and content until Bobby passed. I think the ending of the story is our answer!
I don’t think I’d be with either! Too much baggage with frank, particularly after the trial. And guilt over what frank did would make it hard to be with Gabriel.
I can understand the allure of Gabriel to a young woman. He was the first boy she was truly interested in. However, Frank was certainly the strongest of the two in his love for Beth- she just didn’t see it at the time. At 17 years of age decisions are often made that lack the experience and wisdom of age.
I’m not sure. Plus and minuses with both. I think I would seriously have considered walking away from both of them. Start new.