The husband

The husband is another important character in the short story “Terminal” by Nadine Gordimer. Just like his wife, he is most likely middle-aged. There is also no indication regarding his age or job. 

The beginning of the story shows that he enjoys discussing complex issues with his wife, like “the dreariness of industrialization” (p. 142, l. 14) or the concept of Marxism (p. 142, l. 14). After the woman has the operation, the husband is understanding and compassionate: “She had moved from their shared bedroom and he understood without a word” (p. 142, ll. 25-26).

Because of his love and compassion for his wife, he is unable to let her go. When the woman asks him to help her escape her suffering, they make a silent pact. However, the husband never verbally agrees ...