In what ways does Clay spur Meridian to challenge her definitions of male-female relationships, the boundaries she has drawn in her life? What or who have been catalysts in your life?

Clay is Meridian's catalyst. In what ways does he spur her to challenge her definitions of male-female relationships, the boundaries she has drawn in her life? What or who have been catalysts in your life? How did they change you or cause you to view things differently?

Clay was an eye-opener for her. Her father died when she was very young so her only in depth relationship with a male was what she had with Alden. Clay's attitudes, experiences and goals were a true flip of the coin from Alden's and gave her a totally new perspective and a valuable one.
The true catalysts in my life were within my own family. I had seven brothers and sisters with huge age differences between the older four and the last four of which I was a member. By the time I was in high school the older group were all married with children, lots of children, and settled close to home and I was rather determined not to go that route. I left for college at 18 and moved out of state when I finished and never lived in that state again.

Clay was Meri's first close at hand view of a relationship of equals. She never had that with Alden, because of the age difference and her insecurities. Funny how the age difference was reversed, and yet she was able to learn so much!

Jerry was interested in Meridian as an adolescent 'date'. Alden viewed her as a stereotypical woman of the '40s. Clay was the first male who wanted to know her as a person and treated her as a lover. He challenged her opinion of her value as a scientist, her appreciation of her sexuality and her value as a human being. I think the depth and beauty of their relationship solidified her decision to stay with Alden in the end.

The love of my life has been a constant catalyst to become the woman I am meant to be, to overcome a domineering father and demeaning brothers. I count myself among the lucky!

Alden in some ways was more like a father. He didn't encourage her to grow or express herself. Clay was pretty unconventional and he encouraged her to think about who she was and what she wanted. I was 27 when my mother died. I think that her death so early in my life really directed how I handled my life from that point on.

He allowed her to be her, to let herself go and explore out side her comfort zone.

Meridan had never felt freedom in a relationship until she met Clay. He was so good for her and she learned so much from him.

Alden was a father figure to Meridian and took pleasure in controlling her life and molding it into the spouse that he wanted. Meridian's maturity and ability to take care of herself was interrupted when she married and lived with Alden. Clay took Meridian back to the days that her development had been stopped and she was able to experience what 20 year old people do. After that experience she quickly caught up and was able to get back on the right course to live.

Clay allows her to awaken her person letting/giving her the awareness of her power. (pg.263 and 269)