So, I guess the basic premise is that William became a better man because of Marianne's drive and determination. But he was already working at it to become worthy of Marguerite by working hard at the timber trade. Is it possible that, had he not written the wrong name in a drunken Freudian slip, and married Marguerite, that he would have still become a better man because he was working hard to build something for the woman he loved?
Yes, this is what I was thinking also. However, Marianne had a great business sense and his business benefited from it. So his life was definitely different married to Marianne.
He probably did eventually love Marianne too, but his life with Marguerite would have been more fun for him right from the start. Maybe life there would have been too hard for Marguerite? It certainly brings up questions, doesn't it?
Read the Book, if you want this fleshed out better...It's one of several central themes (the people/things that make us happiest may not be the best for us).
I also detailed my feelings about it in another post on this board called "The Book/Casting Choices." I'll try and find it to repost here.
Here's a segment of the other post that sums up how I feel about it:
Lana Turner...captured Marianne's pragmatic, incisive, ambitious nature which veils a deep-seeded vulnerability and need to be loved. And Donna Reed...did well with Marguerite, who is sweet-tempered, feminine and agreeable but not as intellectually captivating as her sister. Marguerite is more like William. They are both indolent, romantic and playful. But Marianne has the drive, savvy and fortitude to face life with him in New Zealand and make him the great man he has the potential to be.