Silberman Article

“Each relationship is premised on a state of nonknowledge that always leads to an action with destructive consequences” (page 85).

This is my favorite line Silberman’s analysis of Romance in a Minor Key. I think it accurately describes the fundamental flaws that lead to the downfall of every character in a completely succinct way. The most obvious relationship based on the absence of knowledge is the relationship between Madeleine and her husband. Aside from the secret affair between Madeleine and Michael, there is a basic lack of conversation between the married couple. This indicates that neither person in the relationship understands how the other person is feeling. While it is easy to place the blame on Madeleine’s husband, she does not seem to be knowledgeable about why he constantly plays cards or is so organized. There is a lack of communication between the couple, which leads to Madeleine’s affair and the couple’s demise.

Another relationship premised on the state of nonknowledge is Madeleine and Michael. While some might argue that Madeleine is her true self with her love, he does not seem to be knowledgeable enough on why Madeleine will not leave her husband. It seems fairly obvious to me that Madeleine’s sense of duty to her husband prevented her from leaving him entirely; yet, Michael either refuses to acknowledge this or just doesn’t know Madeleine’s true feelings. It is possible that is the couple had had a discussion about Madeleine’s true feelings towards her husband they would have come to a different conclusion then just returning to her normal life.