She is afraid of divorce, which will free her, as she was not enough afraid of marriage, which trapped her.
In A.S. Byatt's "Babel Tower," the protagonist grapples with the complexities of marriage and the fear that comes with its dissolution. The quote illustrates her internal conflict; she is terrified that a divorce would grant her the freedom she yearns for, a freedom she overlooked when she entered into marriage. This paradox highlights her struggle between the desire for autonomy and the fears tied to separation.
The character’s fear of divorce symbolizes a broader commentary on societal expectations of marriage. Initially, she saw marriage as an obligation and a secure framework, but now she recognizes it as a constraint. By confronting her fears, she navigates the difficult emotions associated with both her marital bond and the prospect of liberation, revealing the complicated nature of love and commitment.
