The Painted door by Sinclair Ross

Title: The Painted Door

Author: Sinclair Ross

Setting: A lonely farmhouse on the Canadian prairies during a severe winter snowstorm

Summary:

The story centers on Ann and John, a married couple living in isolation on the prairies. John is a hardworking farmer, kind but quiet, and completely devoted to Ann. However, Ann feels lonely and emotionally neglected because their life is dull and routine. She wishes for more excitement, company, and affection.

One bitterly cold winter morning, John tells Ann he must go to visit his sick father, who lives miles away. He promises to return that night even though a blizzard is coming. Ann asks him to stay, but John insists on going because he feels it is his duty.

After John leaves, the snowstorm worsens, and Ann is left alone in the house. To occupy herself, she begins painting the door, trying to distract her mind and brighten her surroundings — a symbol of her desire to renew her dull life.

As night falls, the storm grows fierce. Ann becomes increasingly anxious and resentful, thinking about how lonely her marriage feels. She worries John might not come back that night. Then, unexpectedly, Steven, their neighbor and John’s friend, stops by to check on her.

At first, Ann is nervous, but as they talk by the fire, she begins to feel warmth and comfort in his presence. The storm isolates them, and their shared loneliness leads to an emotional and physical betrayal — Ann and Steven spend the night together.

The next morning, Ann regrets what happened. As the blizzard clears, she sees John’s frozen body lying outside near the barn. It becomes clear that John had tried to return home to her during the storm, keeping his promise.

In his frozen hand, Ann sees a bit of white paint from the door — showing that he had reached the house, touched the newly painted door, and realized her betrayal before he died.