The Metaphor By Budge Wilson Character Analysis

The most common, widespread epidemic in adolescent is the lack of self-esteem. If a teen loses confidence, they may engage in self-destructive views. To try to combat the lack of personal confidence, Canada and other individualistic countries emphasize being unique. In the short story, The Metaphor by Budge Wilson, Charlotte lives under the rule of her stern mother. Through her mother’s criticisms, her lack of confidence, and her desire to fit in with the community, Charlotte is shown to be insecure.

Charlotte’s insecurity is a partial result of her mother’s disapproving and unresponsive nature. Unlike Charlotte’s father, who listens attentively and enthusiastically to Charlotte’s day at school, Charlotte’s mother shows no interest. She simply gives a half-hearted comment, “without emphasis of any kind”(71), then changes the subject. Additionally, when Charlotte is distressed over Ms. Hancock's death, her mother gets irritated and blames her for “disturbing the even tenor of [their] home”(80). How could Charlotte ever learn to appreciate herself if her mother either criticizes or ignores her? For this reason, Charlotte never argues with her mother, because she knows she

As Charlotte moves, and goes into a new school, she realizes that “[she] was anonymous”(76); she could blend in with her peers to hide her drawbacks. As a result, she starts to dress according to a 10th grade girl: “hair curled, makeup intact”(75). Additionally, she was easily influenced by peer pressure. Although she loved Miss Hancock and was shocked when people started making fun of her style, she nonetheless joins in, “[snickering] fiercely”(76). It takes courage and confidence to act against the majority. However, she does not. Willing to discard her attitudes and beliefs to conform with her group demonstrates Charlotte’s insecurity, and her lack of pride for her