Quoyle and Pearl

In the beginning of The Shipping News, we meet Quoyle, a lonely man. He doesn't really have any friends and his embarassment over some of his physical attributes cause him to lack confidence. His wife, Pearl, is introduced in the story, and she makes up for the assertiveness that Quoyle lacks. She is very demanding and it seems like she is the one who has control of the relationship.

Quoyle and Pearl's relationship isn't exactly perfect. Even once they have had their first child together, they don't seem like their relationship improves at all. Pearl spends most of her evenings out, while Quoyle stays at home with their daughter. Many instances show that they don't feel the same way towards eachother; Quoyle has deep feelings for Pearl while she is constantly out with other men. One time, while Pearl calls Quoyle to get a recipe for a drink, she tells him just how she feels about their relationship. "Look, it's no good. Find yourself a girlfriend-there's plenty of women around" (16). Quoyle reacts by saying that he only wants to be with her, but she denies him, saying that they need to get a divorce.

Quoyle being with a woman like Pearl shows that he is just looking for someone to care for and to care for him, and he doesn't want to believe that she isn't the right person for him. It also shows that he is kind of weak because she constantly uses him and he doesn't do anything about it. Everyone takes advantage of him and his wife is no exception.