Essay Questions

How does Park build the theme of family in the book Playing Beatie Bow?

Park is passionate about family, and she uses the characters Abigail, Weyland, and Katherine to emphasize the significance of shared parenting. A family can only be united when the husband and wife forget about their differences and prioritize bringing up a happy family. Unfaithfulness and divorce are major challenges facing families. When parents divorce, children end up being the victims. For instance, when Weyland leaves his wife, Katherine, Abigail ends up growing without a physical father for a younger woman. Other people fulfill the void that a father should have filled in Abigail's life. When Weyland, at last, meets Abigail, she is fully grown, and there is no connection between them.

What is the significance of the character Katherine Kirk?

Katherine is Weyland's divorced wife and mother to Abigail. The author focuses on Katherine to emphasize the importance of forgiveness and healing. When Weyland leaves Katherine for a younger wife, she does not get married to another man, but she dedicates her life to raising her daughter. Katherine remains optimistic that her divorced husband will change his mind and come home to present a united family. Finally, Weyland realizes his mistakes and asks for forgiveness. Katherine forgives him, and they start afresh as one family. Therefore, Katherine symbolizes the need for tolerance in marriage.

Why is the author depicting Abigail as a highly adaptive individual?

The reader notes that Abigail can quickly acclimatize to new changes in life and move on. Despite living in complex and challenging life situations, Abigail embraces the changes positively and looks for a way to fit in such circumstances. For instance, Abigail looks for a way to live without the presence of her father. She learns from her mother and others to fill the gap of her absentee father. Similarly, Abigail does her best to avoid getting stuck in the bows. Throughout the book, Abigail is not afraid of experiencing new challenges. Consequently, Abigail is shaped by her experiences, and she comes out victorious.