"The Painted Door" by Sinclair Ross was published in 1939. The short story focuses on a farmer's wife, Ann, and revolves around the themes of resentment, loyalty, and isolation. Unhappy to be left alone during a blizzard, Ann's thoughts oscillate between her frustrations in her life as a farmer's wife and then chastising herself for thinking poorly of her husband and situation. When Ann's internal conflict leads to her sleeping with her neighbor, Steven, she finally realizes how truly good her life with her husband is. Unfortunately, she is unable to make amends as John catches the pair in bed together and fatally heads back out into the storm.
"The Painted Door" was adapted into a...
