Melinda strives to set herself apart from this female role, and her desire to avoid it is part of what keeps her from allowing herself to grow for most of the novel. Her focus on their appearance and possessions shows that it is not their personality, but how they look, that defines them in the high school world. The girls that are the craziest and most promiscuous are also the ones that are admired by teachers, parents, and students alike. This quote illustrates Melinda's recognition of the sexual, female role at her high school. They rent beach houses in Cancun during Spring Break and get group-rate abortions before the prom. In Universe #2, they throw parties wild enough to attract college students. Oops-I mean the Pride of the Blue Devils. Teachers smile at them and grade them on the curve. In one universe, they are gorgeous, straight-teethed, long-legged wrapped in designer fashions, and given sports cars on their sixteenth birthdays. It's as if they operate in two realities simultaneously. The quote's strong, cynical tone show that Melinda does have a voice, she just does not want to use it outside of her own head. Its appearance in the first chapter indicates to the reader that this will be the belief that Melinda must overcome in order to be a happier and healthier person. This statement defines Melinda's behavior for much of the novel. In this quote, Melinda is forthright about her belief in the benefit of silence. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |