In the "Case Histories," by Kate Atkinson, the backgrounds of each protagonist all tie up when understanding where each come from. There's a lawyer, Jackson Brodie who everybody in the story have some relation to. The two sisters, Julia and Amelia, only one of Mr.Brodie's clients, come to him with a problem. Their younger sister, Olivia, was kidnapped about 25 years ago. They only came to him now because her favorite doll, The Blue Mouse has been found in their ceased father's desk. This raises suspicion for the sisters. In this blog post, I'm going to be talking about Amelia and the influences on her.
When Amelia is first introduced, she sounded like a really old lady. She is described by Jackson on page 58 as, "one tall heavy, hair graying and falling out of a kind of topknot..." I see old ladies as grandmas sitting on rocking chairs while knitting sweaters for their grand-children. In fact, the "graying" tells me that she's reaching the old age, which completes the "old lady" image. She also proves this when she is compared to her sister, Julia. Julia seems more like a cherry on top of an ice cream person because she seems more of the "flirty" type according to Mr.Brodie. Moreover, Julia and Jackson seem to influencing Amelia to change up her "old lady" nature. For example, at the time being, Amelia is not yet married( she's like forty-ish) she takes a sudden interest in Jackson. When she "invites' him over, she says," Please, Jackson, please come, I need you," which is showing that she's desperate. She's usually not "desperate" which is showing that the sudden appearance of Jackson in her life, she changes her nature for him, so he would take "interest" in her. Another example would be that she pampers herself when she "thinks" that Jackson would be coming by. This shows that she is anticipating that he's coming and she's getting ready for his arrival. In addition to Jackson's influence on her, Julia has some how motivated her to be more out going. This shows up when Amelia thinks that Julia is trying to flirt with Jackson, she feels "concerned" with her status with Jackson. It's like a wolf is in someone else territory, causing the owner to feel threaten. Both Julia's and Jackson's appearances pressure Amelia to change her nature because she feels that she needs to step up her game if she wants to get Jackson.
Over all, Amelia feels threatened that someone is in her territory, which is Julia. Because Julia seems more of a vivid person, Jackson takes more of an interest in her than her sister. In my opinion, I think Amelia is trying to prove her self worthy to Jackson, while trying not to over do it. The influences on Amelia are not bad because they are making her to change up her nature, which is making her realize that she shouldn't be so restricted and should be more outgoing.
(Yea, that's about it. :))
Great post! It's funny actually, this change in Amelia because of Jackson. For me, I always find it slightly strange when people change drastically for another person. I guess that in Amelia's case, since the changes are for the good, this is a good thing but I would never agree with people who change themselves while not wanting to. Anyway, good job!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book, but I do agree that when someone invades my territory, I try to change and become dominant again. If someone is taking over your life and forcing you to do things you don't to, it's understandable that you should try to change~ be it to please that person or to take control again. This sounds bad, but in this story's case it seems like a good thing that Amelia is changing. Being outgoing and lively not only makes people like you, it's more fun! It's terribly boring to be restricted and closed up inside yourself. Having fun with your life and taking advantage of time is a great thing to cheer up your spirits.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Adrian.