Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Subtle Stabs

I thought I liked Amanda; she seemed like the caring type with a strange way of showing her kids she wanted the best for them. As many overbearing parents pick over every imperfection, Amanda is no exception. Tom has every right to want to escape and make something of himself. It's the children with strict parents who turn out as rebels; Tom seems incredulous to his mother's constant reprimanding. Though Amanda played the part in Tom's memory of a respectable parent, she shows in scene 6 subtle stabs to her children's characters. When talking to Jim she says, "I don't know why my son is so stand-offish" and then later, "...Tom is a total loss when it comes to mechanics." She seems to be hinting at her dislike for her son, possibly as she sees more and more of his father in him.

At first, Amanda stood up for Laura when at all possible, urging Tom never to call her "crippled." However, as they prepare for the gentleman caller, Jim, Amanda reveals some not-so-motherly-opinions to Laura saying, "Now look at yourself, young lady. This is the prettiest you will ever be!" Hmm. Thanks MOM! I just can't pinpoint Amanda's obvious disappointment in her life shining through her views of her children.

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