Reading this piece, I initially thought of it as a coming of age story. And after reading Korb’s article on the writing, and what was defined as a feminist allegory, where women are sexualized and seen as an object of pleasure, I still think in some way, it is a “coming of age” story, albeit the grim and assumed conclusion.
It is mentioned in Korb’s article that although Connie is shallow, she becomes likeable. Although she is shallow, I never disliked Connie. I saw Connie as a typical, popular teenager. What teenage girl would not be obsessed with her looks and hanging out and disliking her mother and do-gooder sister? This is what they do – who they are….typically. I saw this as a coming of age story because although the story took a sharp turn, and again, the assumed grim conclusion, Connie is met with realizing the world is actually not all roses and daisies. Connie being the typical teen-aged girl consumed with her looks and social life sadly has to make some really hard and adult decisions in the moment. As we all have aged, there is a moment in our lives where we realize life is actually full of tough decisions that need to be made, and our parents are not going to always be there to tell us what to do, or protect us.
3 thoughts on “Tracey Mainer – Week 14”
Tracey, I’m glad to read that you don’t find Connie unlikable. I don’t particularly like her, but, as you say, she’s a pretty typical adolescent girl in her superficiality, naivete, and dreaminess. I think some of her flaws also trace back to her parents. Her mother does nothing but nag her and compare her to her sister, and her father is out to lunch. No one has warned her about the grim realities you allude to in your post.
I think, most teenagers are typically “unlikable”. Also, like you point out Professor, sadly Connie’s personality is HEAVILY influenced by her lack of parental guidance, acceptance and love. Her dad doesn’t have a presence in her life except physically, and her mother compares. Comparison to anyone, let alone another sibling is the pits.
I also viewed this as a coming of age story originally reading it. It definitely is in a sense, but I think the strange atmosphere created by Arnold’s character by the end of the story transcends a normal teenage narrative and takes it to a dark magical realm. I also agree Connie is a normal teenager just trying to fit in and remain popular, and is not necessarily unlikeable. It seems she gets no guidance from her family, which may have affected her sad fate.