There are many archetypal symbols throughout the story "Unbecoming". One example is "the outcast". Katie is the outcast figure in this book, she has a lot of trouble fitting in with her friends. Her best friend banished her from the friend group because she found out that Katie was lesbian. "Katie was cold, really shivery cold. She'd actually thought for the briefest moment that today might be different. The world had seemed momentarily pleased with her. She'd been lulled by sunshine (pg. 68)." It is significant because it shows the emotions Katie was going through while she was passing by that friend group. Another archetype I found was the "Mother and daughter conflict". Katie's mom Caroline and her grandmother Mary had a lot of conflicts and misunderstandings between them, and it all started way back when Caroline was a baby. "what might happen if she went back to her own place to live by herself? Mum said. Whats the worst thing?....The doctor blinked at Mum as if he couldn't quite believe she'd asked. (pg.87)". That quote is vital because even the doctor can sense that both parties were uncomfortable and knew that there was tension between them. The next archetypal symbol found in the book is the "platonic ideal". Do you have someone in your life who is your role model, the person who you admire alot and strive to become more like? Well for Katie, its her grandmother Mary. Katie sees Mary as someone who is invisible, fearless and confident in her actions. She is her inspiration to keep going in life. "She didn't want to hide away like Pat. She wanted to risk her heart like Mary (pg. 64)." I absolutely love that quote, it is important because it explains and brings out how Mary is a fearless character and how much Katie thrives to become like her. She is a women who oozes confidence in all aspects.
Your explanation of archetypes and how they related to situations in this book was excellent! Her being banished and outcasted from her friend group is something that, sadly, we see too much now a days. Do you know what time period this book takes place in? Depending on the time period, they may have viewed homosexuality much differently then we might today. Your quote about her and Mary just shows that she should emulate her confidence if she wants to successfully be like her.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your absolutely right the time period, the obstacles takes place in does define how people react to the situations. So Mary's story takes place in the 1950's, and Caroline and Katie's takes place in the present time. I guess the people there are not too open to the idea of homosexuality.
DeleteUnfortunately the conservative view that Katie's best friend has regarding Katie's sexuality is still relevant in today's society. It's weird to think about how a book taken place in the 1950's like you said still contains information and situations present in modern contexts. I feel like Katie was born into the wrong decade being that the 50's were notoriously conservative, whereas today we as a country support so many liberal ideas from a social standpoint. The archetype about the platonic ideal that you identified was really spot on! In so many nonfiction stories (and in real life) a role model is present for the main character to mold themselves after.
ReplyDeleteYour absolutely right! Even though Katie was born in that era, many people are not open and don't like it when people love who they truly love. But like you mentioned, we are slowly beginning to have equal rights for them to get married and Gay pride as well supports them. And yes of course, it is vital to have someone to look up. Having someone you can relate to, is a good bonding moment.
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