Discussion point: Jean survives and even thrives by adapting, playing to and
respecting the existing culture of the places she lives. Yet, she remains true
to herself.
Exactly! I think this is what truly makes us drawn to Jean as a character.
Her "voice" is always hers. I think of her as that stabilizing personality that would have been comforting to have around during times of trouble. She keeps her head about her and just gets down to problem-solving. I think she learned that going about a task, taking on a problem gave her something to focus on and a will to press on. In narration we learn that she maybe subconsiously believes this when she says of Mrs. Frith that when she took over the care of Johnnie Horsefall when his mother died that it did her "a world of good" and that she "gave up moaning in the night". There is is no room for moaning when you have things to get done and others to care for. I think that I would take on that role if I were in that group of women and children, I always think when I am in the "zone" of caregiving and task completing I don't focus on the things that could bring me down, too darn busy! I sure hope that is what I would do.
This aspect of Jean's character made me think of missionary work. Our missionaries may stick out a little wherever they may be, stateside or abroad, but they can never make any headway with people without having respect for the culture in which they serve.
Exactly! I think this is what truly makes us drawn to Jean as a character.
ReplyDeleteHer "voice" is always hers. I think of her as that stabilizing personality that would have been comforting to have around during times of trouble. She keeps her head about her and just gets down to problem-solving. I think she learned that going about a task, taking on a problem gave her something to focus on and a will to press on. In narration we learn that she maybe subconsiously believes this when she says of Mrs. Frith that when she took over the care of Johnnie Horsefall when his mother died that it did her "a world of good" and that she "gave up moaning in the night". There is is no room for moaning when you have things to get done and others to care for. I think that I would take on that role if I were in that group of women and children, I always think when I am in the "zone" of caregiving and task completing I don't focus on the things that could bring me down, too darn busy! I sure hope that is what I would do.
This aspect of Jean's character made me think of missionary work. Our missionaries may stick out a little wherever they may be, stateside or abroad, but they can never make any headway with people without having respect for the culture in which they serve.
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