The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by

Ann Shaffer

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Part 1: 28 Jan, 1946 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Writing to Sidney, Juliet is relieved she didn't embarrass Stephens & Stark by throwing the teapot. She says that while she doesn't want to make a statement publically, she does want Sidney to know why she didn't marry Rob Dartry. Juliet says that in preparation for his move into her apartment, she cleared out half of the dressers and her desk. The afternoon before the wedding, she went to deliver an article while Rob moved in. When Juliet returned, she found Rob in front of her bookcase, packing up all of her books to go into the basement. The shelves were filled entirely with athletic trophies and memorabilia.
It's especially telling that Juliet was out delivering an article—in other words, doing her job—when this all went down. This positions not just Juliet's independence and control over her house as being in opposition to marriage to Rob, but suggests that her job is in jeopardy as well. Rob's decision to move Juliet's books suggests that he didn't take her interests seriously and felt that his love of sports was more important than her interests.
Themes
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Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon
Juliet screamed at Rob to put her books back and in the course of their argument, they decided not to marry. Rob packed up his things and left. Juliet says that the irony of all of this is that if she'd allowed Rob to put her books in the basement, they wouldn't have all been destroyed when her flat was bombed.
The recognition that the books would've survived had Juliet married Rob shows that Juliet is well aware that there are a number of perks that come from marriage—but those perks don't make the marriage itself seem bearable or positive.
Themes
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Family, Parenting, and Legitimacy Theme Icon
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon
Juliet thanks Sidney for tracking down Markham V. Reynolds and says that she plans to remain true to Stephens & Stark. She says she's excited for the Times proposal and hopes that it'll be a serious subject.
Juliet's assurance that her work belongs to Sidney and her subject change to the article indicates that she still cares more about her work than romance.
Themes
Literature and Connection Theme Icon
Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon