Uncovering In Andre Dubus The Fat Girl
Uncovering Deeper Meaning in Andre Dubus’ “The Fat Girl” In the critical period of forming her identity, Louise battles with her obesity. Criticism from her family and friends cause her to question her body image and consequently, her self worth. Louise is not the only adolescent to struggle with her appearance; with his depiction of her transformation, Andre Dubus addresses those whose view of themselves is marred by society. After years of her weight and emotions fluctuating, Louise realizes a deeper change. Through Louise’s journey, Dubus communicates that the power to change oneself emanates from one’s self control and ability to surpass societal pressure. Dubus first uses foreshadowing to convey that societal influence is responsible for future self-deprecating behavior. As a young girl, Louise’s mom convinces her to value a thin appearance over satisfying her hunger: “In five years you’ll be in high school and if you’re fat the boys won’t like you” (233). She internalizes her mother’s pressure to restrict her food intake, thus restricting her identity. Meanwhile, Louise has no faith in her ability to comply to society’s standards, as she understands that “she was fat because she was Louise” (234). Her starvation makes her “weak …show more content…
When Louise is at her thinnest and is perceivably most attractive, it is presumed she will stay that way. However, she gains all the weight back, thus going against the assumption that being thin is enjoyable. Furthermore, Dubus uses figurative language to compare Louise’s struggle to that of others: “For a while she stood eating in the dark, then she turned on the light” (245). With the motif of darkness symbolizing Louise’s blind indulgence, and light symbolizing her newfound awareness, Dubus communicates Louise’s development of self-control and
Summary Of One Percent Of Me
1164 Words | 5 PagesOlivia Clarke’s essay called “One Percent of Me” discusses the harsh reality of high school and the effects it causes in your adult life. She goes into depth about her struggles with being the only African American woman in town, the effects it started to have on her once she entered high school ongoing into her adult life. The struggle of her race being a leading factor of not fitting in enough for White people nor Black people that surrounded in certain points of her life. Dealing with not fitting into the image that in advertised around us, body image is a huge problem within young children. Clarke eventually learning in her adult years that she is not identify by her image but by her experiences.
I Want To Be Miss America Analysis
624 Words | 3 PagesWe had already acquired the habit of doubting ourselves as well as the place we came from” (pg 96). Although all four sisters were beautiful individuals, America’s perception of “beauty” caused self doubt in the young girls. They were too busy trying to look like something they were not to enjoy their true
The Fat Girl By Andre Dubus Analysis
954 Words | 4 PagesWhen seeing the title “The Fat Girl” by Andre Dubus, I assumed it to be another story about a fat girl who would be depressed and insecure about her size. However, as I started reading, I learned that Louise, the fat girl, was not ashamed of herself and I became interested because my assumption was wrong. All the conflict about her size came from her mother and other relatives or friends. The title itself tells what the entire story is about. The entire story is about the life of “the fat girl”.
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The Horrors Of The Female Body In Monster House
883 Words | 4 PagesAlthough Constance was previously humiliated for her appetite and large appearance, she utilizes consumption as a weapon to revolt against the higher order, that is, to emasculate men. Constance innately abjects humanity and embraces the monstrous
The Metaphor By Budge Wilson Character Analysis
611 Words | 3 PagesThe 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.
Summary Of She's Come Undone By Wally Lamb
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Mrs Buell Character Analysis Essay
625 Words | 3 PagesIn the short story “Mrs. Buell”, Kate learns that everything is not as it seems through a series of events. When one considers certain factors such as abrupt personality change, encounters with unexpected people, and changes in first impression, it can be seen that there are many things to be discovered that may change our impression of one’s being. Kate is startled by Mrs. Buell’s actions when, she hurts her knee while walking into Mrs. Buell’s convenience store. Although, Mrs. Buell shows compassion towards her, Kate can’t quite believe that Mrs. Buell had shown any type of sympathy. This is evident when Kate assumes, “She was probably sorry now that she’d fixed my knee.
Literary Analysis Of Cheryl Peck's 'Fatso'
745 Words | 3 Pages(290) Peck uses the phrase “woman of substance” as a non-judgmental way to describe the woman because she understands and ponders on what they might feel to being called impolite names. She portrays the fact that people who do not have any struggles with body weight do not understand that people of size are humans too and will sympathize or judge them which is a form of
Analysis Of The Poem The Barbie Doll
569 Words | 3 PagesThen, when she reached puberty everything changed. She lost here childhood life which she has nothing to worry about such as how she looks and acts. “You have a great big nose and fat legs” is the what her friends called her. The girl is humiliated by a really harsh and mean words until she loses her confidence and questions her physical appearances.
Culture Of Domesticity Analysis
986 Words | 4 PagesThey are also seen as mentally subordinate because of their health conditions, with Jane having a nervous condition and Louise having heart troubles. Both of these literary works reveal how the Culture of Domesticity made its mark on the ideal image of women and their place in
A Story About The Body Robert Haas Analysis
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When The Fat Girl Gets Skinny Analysis
806 Words | 4 PagesIn the poem, When The Fat Girl Gets Skinny, by Blythe Baird, the poet addresses the issue of social ideology and how these trends affect young women. Told in a first perspective point of view, the poet supports her theme by describing how teenagers are being affected, establishing a social conflict of false need to achieve trends by identifying motifs for teenager’s actions, incorporating the use of life experiences from the past to the present tense and finalizing with a shift to highlight positivity in change of habit. Baird’s purpose is to illustrate a major conflict among young women who are being affected by social idolization of being skinny. She creates a mood of hopeful in order to inspire young teenagers who are currently harming
Essay Comparing A Room Of One's Own And The Bell Jar
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Lindy's Day-Personal Narrative
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