A Summer Tragedy

The T-Model Ford symbolizes the physical deterioration that Jeff and Jennie are experiencing. When they purchased the car, it was shiny and new, regarded as a “peculiar treasure.” However, over the years, the car has worn down; as they drive toward the river, the car works “harder and harder” (354) to climb even small hills. Although Jeff is confident that the car can be depended on for this final trip, it is not likely to last much longer before it finally breaks down for good. In the same way, Jeff and Jennie are not likely to last much longer before their health conditions finally make them incapable of caring for themselves. As Jeff prepares to drive into the river, he thinks about his own youth, acknowledging that over the past 50 years, he has become “old, worn out” (354).

Jennie’s blindness is a motif that highlights the increasing hopelessness of Jeff and Jennie’s situation, as well as Jeff’s own relationship to masculinity. While Jennie is able to navigate their small house despite her blindness, she is still largely reliant on Jeff’s help to get around. Jeff recognizes the dire situation they would be in if he had another stroke: he would likely be confined to his bed, while Jennie would be forced to care for him. Her blindness therefore highlights Jeff’s own struggles with the masculine standards he tries to live up to; he will be unable to take care of himself or to support his wife, who cannot physically manage the demands of caring for him. In addition, although Jennie does not have her physical sight, she is able to see through Jeff’s protests that he is not scared. Jennie feels Jeff’s trembling and senses that he is driving “mighty slow” after they set off in their car. Despite his efforts to hide his fears from Jennie, she knows him well enough to recognize that he is performing courage for her.