The Babysitter

what are two conlficts about the short story the babysitter by jane yolen

two conflicts

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Consider Discontent and Infidelity. Dolly and Harry seem to be discontent with their marriage. While Harry doesn’t find his wife attractive anymore, he fantasizes about the babysitter who has “adolescent flesh”. Harry doesn’t once talk to his wife in a romantic way but engages in flirting with the host. His sexual desires have no place for his wife. He doesn’t like the way she looks after having three of his children. On the other hand, Dolly craves love and attention which she doesn’t get from her husband. Her image of “self” is shaped by the way men look and talk to her. Mark’s father, the host, tries to be nice to her by giving her compliments and casually taking her side when she has an argument with Harry. The smallest kind gesture leads her to believe that he has fallen in love with her because such gentle love is unknown to her. The dissatisfaction of Dolly and Harry in their marriage leads them to find comfort and love from people outside their relationship.