Marriages Fail William and Anna

¶ … Marriages Fail

William and Anna will have a successful marriage because they seem to have true love for each other, are sensitive to each other's feelings, and complement each other nicely. Since they are both at a common point in life, had their share of broken hearts, evolved and mature from their past, there is enough reason to suggest that the relationship should withstand the test of time.

The high divorce rate that is common in today's western society has shaken the institution of marriage. Relationships have become so complex and the changes in society, in particular the feminist movement, and the changing role of women have all contributed to this deplorable trend. Sexual freedom and the choice of selecting one's life partner after cohabitation, though thought to be an ideal way of finding the rightful match, has not proven to be a good solution as statistics show that almost half of all marriages today end up in bitter divorce. An overview of Anne Roiphe's essay "Why marriages Fail" and a contextual analysis of the couples in the movie 'Notting Hill' would provide us better insight into the intricacies involved in relationships.

In her exposition Anne Roiphe suggests that men and women choose their partner's based on underlying psychological needs impressed upon their minds during their childhood mostly derived from observing the relationship issues involving their parents. Anne also suggests that once the initial excitement dwindles the problems and issues to be faced in a relationship, which were henceforth covered in a veil of attraction, seem to magnify into great proportions. William and Anna, the two main characters from the movie involved in a loving relationship, are people from different social standing. In assessing their relationship prospects this status issue is a cause for concern. Though couples involved in such relationships may not consider such differences between them, circumstances may create situations where issues pertaining to the social status crop up out of the blue.

In the movie for example, Anna stays with William in his house to avoid the journalists and what turns out to be a peaceful and happy night suddenly erupts into a rather distasteful day. We see how quickly Anna's disposition changes as she gets displeased once the press finds her in Williams house. She is fast in accusing William for the unforeseen circumstance where her whereabouts are leaked to the Paparazzi. However, the same incident can also be useful in understanding the character of William. He handles the situation with a calm countenance in spite of the fitful fury of Anna, suggesting a positive quality of his personality. Research into marital relationships has revealed that escalation of negative arguments is one of the main causes threatening a relationship. Escalation increases disagreement and fuels bitterness resulting in serious problems. William has the balance and composure in him and avoids escalation by not responding in frenzy to Anna's harsh comments showing that he has the potential for a good stable relationship.

Again, in the scene where William and Anna reach her hotel, he is literally shocked out seeing that Anna has a boy friend who suddenly visits her. Instead of creating a scene he silently withdraws from the place with composure. These two instances show that William is a calm, steady and a levelheaded person who is not easily carried away by the sudden sway of emotions. This is an important quality for forging true relationships. Communication is again very vital to the success of a relationship. Open and healthy communication with the partner would avoid escalation and negative interpretations. In the movie we see that at least in two situations Anna hurts William's feelings under unexpected circumstances. (When the Paparazzi encircle his house and when her earlier boy friend suddenly shows up) However, she is quick to apologize and explain the unforeseen nature of the situation to William.

One other important reason that strongly suggests that the relationship between Anna and Scott would survive is that they share a common situation of being let down by their previous partners. The point is that it is not they who broke their previous relationships but their partners. They are both at a similar point in life, share the same pain of broken hearts, evolved and mature. Both Anna and William show enough maturity and do not rush into sexual relationship. William, for example does not try to exploit the circumstance when Anna seeks refuge in his house. This goes to show that he has got a good character and that he treats his relationship with respect. The movie ends with the final scene showing Anna and William as a happily married couple expecting their first baby.