Isabella tells Fauset that “The only regret I’ve had is not guiding you to a respectable life,” to which Fauset replies, “My life is respectable.” What do you think? What makes a life “respectable”?
Many people might consider a respectable life to be one above reproach. However I believe no one is perfect. I consider a respectable life to be one of abiding by laws, treating others with respect, engaging in a meaningful career, helping others in various ways, and being a contributor to the community that one resides.
In context, Isabella is referring to Fauset’s romance. In the time of her life, to be involved sexually outside of marriage was not being respectable. That is something that changes with the times. It is still considered to not be respectable to be involved with a married man but we know it is very common.
It’s interesting here because it is only Fauset who is being judged and not Du Bois.
Fauset replied “my life is respectable”, in my opinion to mean that she was an honorable daughter, an extremely hard worker, and worked to build others up.
What do I think is respectable? Good question. I see Fauset as a very respectable woman. Being respectable, I believe, means staying true to your self, being able to say “I am proud of who I am”.
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Jessie knew in her heart that she was doing the wrong thing by having an affair with WEB, however, she had convinced herself that she was fine with her position in his life and thinking she didn’t need anything more from him. But she also carried herself with pride and was able to do a remarkable job as the editor for The Crises. Love makes us do some crazy things, and I think she got taken in by WEB’s intellect and charisma. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t respectable…she was still a good human being and had a brilliant career, especially in those times. It is a shame, that WEB was never questioned about how many mistresses he had, not even by his wife and the other women in his life… double standard for sure!
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I love your response Becky_S! I agree about the double standard that continues to persist even today. I think Fauset led a respectable life - she was brave in pursuing what she wanted despite so many obstacles and judgment. While I don’t condone her affair with Du Bois, that relationship satisfied her needs and wants. She was ahead of the times for sure, which I truly admire
I agree with Karen and Becky. I think Isabella was wanting to protect her daughter from being hurt by Du Bois and from societies’ judgement. She loved her and wanted the best for her in every way, not just in her professional life.