Rose is Like Mae

I caught this version again on cable recently and it occurred to me that Rose isn't that different from Mae. She's trying to force Albert into a life of her design. At no point does he actually say he WANTS to be an English teacher. We only really know that for eight years he's been telling her he's going to be one.

He actually does have talent as a songwriter, apparently. He's even not bad in the PR aspect of being an agent. He just doesn't seem to be a good money man.

It seems he makes the decision to please Rose because he can no longer stand the tug of war in trying to please both of them. He no doubt loves her, but I don't see their relationship as all that healthy.

Let's not even get into their mixed marriage in a small Iowa town in the 50's. Chances are the school wouldn't even hire him, but that's another topic.