Essay Questions

Deconstruct Marie’s Mother’s portrayal of Pegeen.

Marie’s mother asserts, “And after all that, along comes homely Pegeen, which her mother’s blotched skin and her father’s big nose and those great long feet, God help her.” Marie’s mother is an evident body-shamer who trusts that Pegeen warrants God’s backing because of her disagreeable corporeal features. The invocation of God indicates that Marie’s mother regards Pegeen to be an unappealing creature who God should absolve for her repulsiveness. For Marie’s mother, bodily yet peripheral form is the primary basis of a girl’s appeal.

What deductions can you make concerning Pegeen’s self-esteem?

Pegeen’s self-regard is categorically minimal. First, Pegeen is aware of her body: “I saw the laddered run, the flesh of Pegeen’s thin and dark-haired calf pressing through between each rung. The nail of the finger Pegeen ran over its length was bitten down to nothing, but the movement of her hand along the tear was gentle and conciliatory.” Pegeen’s response towards her body depicts sympathy which accredited to her consciousness of her flaws. Pegeen desires an enhanced or more fine-looking physique. Furthermore, Pegeen exposes her non-existent self-esteem when she asserts, “Amadan…that’s me. That’s what I am.” The unambiguous admittance of her imprudence is a leading illustration of the little esteem. Had she embraced considerable self-respect, she would not have dishonored herself by proclaiming that she is a fool.