The Wide, Wide World exhibited two completely different roles of parenthood. First of all it displayed Mr. Montgomery as they type of father who was distant with his family, especially with his daughter. Mr. Montgomery was portrayed as the leader of the household, the one who made all the decisions. It can be said that Ellen and her father did not have a good father/daughter relationship this is can be analyzed through the writing that Mr. Montgomery is almost never present. “Captain Montgomery was away, which indeed was the case of most of the time.” (pg. 36) While on the other hand Ellen’s mother was portrayed as the total opposite, it can be seen that she cares for her daughter and wants the best for her. She teaches her about being good and living by Gods ways. Mrs. Montgomery stated, “you will succeed if you try, dear, never fear if you apply yourself in your trying to the only unfailing source of wisdom and strength of Him.” (pg. 34)
Throughout this piece of literature it can be seen the nurturing, and caring side of Mrs. Montgomery. She appears to be very close to Ellen as well and loving. At the very thought that one day they will be separated always brings sadness and tears to Mrs. Montgomery’s eyes.(pg. 30) One can assume that Ellen have a good relationship, it is seem many time throughout the writing they are both willing to do things for each other to make each other feel better. In the instance of Ellen she always is inclined to making her mother happy, by covering her emotions to not further hurt her mother. This is also seen with Mrs. Montgomery who sold her ring in exchange for the bible and things that her daughter would need. Mr. Montgomery can be seen as authoritative figure, almost as whatever he says goes. To me it seems like they both were intimidated by him, it never really states that they ever carried a conversation, which indicates that they didn’t interact with one another often.
It can be inferred that Ellen cares deeply of her mother, she can not stand the idea of being away of her mother. She seems to the type of little girl that will do anything to make her parents happy and satisfied with her. She is obedient and also helps her mother out, by making mothers toast and tea everyday. (pg.26) I still can't fully grasp how Ellen really feels towards her father, just because they never really mention him in the writing much, but I can imagine she is not very happy that her father is leaving and taking her mother along, and not her. I almost feel sorry for her to see that her father is leaving her alone at such a young age with family that she doesn't know has never met.
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Hey Beatriz - I can't quite tell how Ellen feels about Captain Montgomery, either! The only thing I'm 100% sure about is that I really do not like him. I wish he would have at least been nicer to his only little girl when she was leaving and he knew he probably wasn't ever going to see her again!
ReplyDeleteI, too felt as though Ellen would have done anything to make her mother happy. I guess that was a combination of Ellen's adoration and the understanding that her mother was delicate and very sick.