In the Wide, Wide World, the text encourages us to view the role of parents by seeing them as teachers to children and by following what they do and say. Ellen looks up to her mother greatly, and would do anything she tells her. She shows great trust and commitment to her. When having a conversation with Mrs. Montgomery, Ellen says, " Why mamma,- in the first place, I trust every word you say-entirely-I know nothing could be truer....Then everything you tell or advise me to do, I know it is right, perfectly" (30). The reading perceives children as always being inferior to adults, and doing everything they tell them to. Another point the author shows is that children never speak up to adults, as I just stated, they are inferior to them. When Ellen was sent to go shopping for her mom all by herself, she timidly tried to make up her mind while the salesman got frustrated, threw her things on the floor, and stormed off to help someone else. An elderly man had to come help her and stand up for her; it would be disrespectful if she did so herself.
To differentiate the role between mothers and fathers, the author creates a strong, emotional bond with the mother and child and a very distant one with the father. We hardly ever hear of anything about the father, except for that he is extremely busy. When Ellen's mom is too sick to run an errand, Ellen proposes that she ask Mr. Montgomery. Her mother responds, "No, he's too busy; and, besides, he doesn't know about shopping for me" (56). In the text, mothers are seemed to be more connected with the children and the home, and fathers rarely take a part in the family's life.
I think Ellen perceives her parents as being providers, and doing what they have to do to make ends meet and everything okay. Although her father doesn't play an important role in her life, I think she just sees him as providing financially for them, and that is all she expects of him. I think she latches on to her mother for more support. She expects her mother to give her advice and prepare her with the neccesarry tools Ellen will need in life. Throughout the text, Ellen's mother offers her wisdom through the bible, and Ellen is scared because she knows one day her mother has to leave her. When talking about the bible and love, Ellen says, " I wish you would teach me! I have only you, and I am going to lose you. What shall I do, mamma? (52). Ellen is very dependent on her mother, and only expects her to prepare her for the future.
I definitely agree you with Meredith about how connected the children to their mother's in this time period! It definitely is a big difference between the mother and father's roles! Good job:)
ReplyDeletei agree with you that Ellen is very attached to her mother and used her as support. Im sure its because her father is not much of a father figure. Knowing that there was a strong attachment made it that much more depressing when she was suddenly removed from her mother.
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right on with the two very different roles each parent had with Ellen. A key point in the story though is the way Captain Montgomery felt when he had to go in and shatter Ellen's dreams by telling her it was time to leave. He actually at that moment felt sorrow and was not looking forward to telling her what was about to happen. I think that shows that Captain Montgomery in actuality does love Ellen and wants the best for her, but also believes she needs to be strong and know that life can be tough at times.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the quote from page 30 you included in your post. It shows how influenced Ellen is by her mother and how much she looks up to her mother. I enjoyed reading your post, great job!!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post! We had a lot of the same ideas. I agree with you that she didn't expect much out of her father, yet, it didn't seem to bother her. I think what you pointed out about the relationship between Ellen and her mom is a key part of the reading and very important. Good job!
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