It is part of human nature, says the author, to uphold the image they have of themselves (their self-image). Mr. Monroe liked
to think of himself as a brave man – he even told his wife that he was an excellent shot. But, if he had really been a brave man, he would not have been afraid of the gun that was in his possession.
The character of Mr.
Monroe – as portrayed by the author – is a humorous one. For here is a man who is afraid of the dark; here is a man who does not want to be left alone in the house (when his wife is called away); here is a man who is even afraid to go upstairs when he hears a creaking noise. In effect, Mr. Monroe is just putting up a brave front: both to his wife and to himself. The reason he (probably) wants to discuss firearms with his wife is that it fits the image of the strong and silent type of man.
Alone, in the dark, his courage begins to fail him. He is nervous, and uneasy about those very noises which he had dismissed as mere “woodwork” in the presence of his wife. He turns on all the lights, and does not enter into any room without the comforting presence of the gun. In effect, he is just
holding the fort till his wife returns the next day morning! There is no one more relieved than him when his wife telephones to inform him that she will be returning home early. In fact, he is so pleased with himself that he makes himself some sandwiches and begins to whistle away…
A person is said to be
rationalizing when the reason he gives for doing something is not the real reason for doing that thing. Thus, Mr. Monroe could be said to be rationalizing throughout much of the narrative. The reason being his refusal to admit the basic truth to himself that he was not really a courageous man.