Essay Questions

How is revenge emerging as one of the main themes in the book 'White Oleander’ by Janet Fitch?

Ingrid is a beautiful young woman who falls in love with Barry Kolker. Ingrid is so much in love with her boyfriend, and she is not ready to entertain the idea of a breakup. However, Barry uses Ingrid and breaks with her, but she does not take it lightly. According to Ingrid, it is a great injustice for Barry to abandon her. Therefore, Ingrid decides to teach Barry a lesson by poison him. Astrid is later arrested for being charged with the crime of trying to commit murder. Thus, the theme of revenge is prevalent throughout the book.

How does the author handle the issue of love?

Fitch does not hesitate to display the complexity of love relationships in her book. Ingrid falls in love for the first time, and she thinks that she is meant to live with Barry forever. However, Barry leaves her when he gets enough her. Barry tries to kill him to revenge. Later, Ingrid goes to stay with Starr. With time, Starr starts getting jealous of Ingrid because she is still young and gorgeous. Starr thinks that she might lose her lover to Ingrid, and she tries to kill Ingrid by shooting her.

Who does Barry Represent in society?

Barry is an emblematic character who represents traitors in society. Some people love taking advantage of others. Ingrid is an innocent young woman who is genuinely in love. Ingrid falls madly in love with Barry, and she thinks that they will live together forever. However, Barry knows that this girl is madly in love, and he makes a decision to use her and dump her. After using Ingrid for sexual satisfaction for a while, Barry breaks up with her. Therefore, Barry is a turncoat, and he does not deserve to be a member of society.