Mrs Shaw is a former Southern belle who married respectably to retain her wealth and status. She envies her sister, Mrs Hale, who married for love, and often laments about this fact. She feels regret for the lack of love within her marriage, and doesn’t want Edith to suffer the same way. However, it is doubtful that Mrs Shaw would have married for love over money if she had another chance, as she is incredibly superficial and accustomed to many comforts in her life. She never truly enjoys these comforts though, and prefers to think of them as necessities, as shown by how she would only go to Italy by her doctor’s orders. This convoluted way of living showcases her fear of appearing selfish. Mrs Shaw is quite controlling, but isn’t able to dominate the independent Margaret. She also has an intense distaste toward the North (like everyone else), and excoriates Milton the one time she is forced to visit.
