“Till death do we part” is one of the most cliché wedding vows spoken in traditional ceremonies around the world today. Did it become such a common saying because of its sincerity and commitment to everlasting love, or is it said because society dictates that a first marriage should be the only marriage? In the story Celebration by W.D Valgardson, society’s acceptance of Mabel and Eric’s abusive relationship shakes readers to their core. Not only do the residents of Eddyville let the relationship continue, they perceive it as normal for the couple and make Mabel and Eric believe it as well. Although the couple attempts to conform to the impractical notions placed on them, they realize their inner desires in their most vulnerable states. …show more content… Lastly, the truck driver that finds Eric and a wrapped up Mabel is only further fueling the fire for the vile relationship to continue. While being in the story only a couple pages, the truck driver represents society as a whole by helping Eric with Mabel and even offers him a place to stay without hearing what really happened to Mabel, “You can sleep at my place” (pg. 69). The cycle that Mabel and Eric are in is only possible because they have been fixing themselves at the hospital rather than fixing the relationship itself. Without the use of the hospital as a restart point, the abuse would have ended and everyone would have been able to let go but the truck driver helped the pair get back to their safe point. His compliance in the cycle of abuse, unknowingly or not, leaves the couple in the same position they once wanted to leave. With all of these ideas, it is clear to see that the citizens of Eddyville are allowing the relationship to continue by accepting its nature. Although they accept the relationship how it is, both Mabel and Eric strive to please the societal standards the public holds so dearly. Even in the miserable state the relationship is in, Mabel and Eric still attempt to Show More
