JS

 What character traits prevented Desiree from overcoming the circumstances that shackled her?

Desiree had to overcome that she was still a young and naïve girl that could be easily persuaded. Her love for her husband made it for her that she would do anything for him to make him happy. In the story she said that when he frowned, she trembled and when he smiled she asked no greater blessing of God. This shows that depending on his mood, she was going to be fearful or happy.

21. Is Amanda justified in her emphasis on finding a “gentleman caller” for Laura? Explain. Yes Amanda was justified in her emphasis on finding a “gentleman caller” for Laura because she doesn’t want Laura to become an old maid like herself. She told Laura of her past gentleman callers and that is what she wants for her. women that are unmarried are called old maids because all they do is sit around the house and clean all day. They don't have anyone for them selves. When Amanda’s husband left her, she became a maid which is what she does not want for her daughter. She believes that maids are often looked down upon. She wants her to be successful and have a husband for herself. Amanda tried to get Laura to be just like she was shen she was a southern belle.

Glenn: I agree with your response. Amanda is trying her best to give Laura a better life. Amanda doesn't want Laura to grow up and be a lonely old maid like herself.
 * Please put some more effort into this. Use specific concrete details from the play to support yourself. What specifically happens to unmarried women. Use the play. A more in-depth and thoughtful answer will provoke more in-depth and thoughtful responses. Mrs. S**

JTS: Good response, but is it really her mother’s job to find a man for Laura. In my opinion Amanda is a controller. She wants to control all things in their house (Tom, Laura, Housework). So she also wants to control the gentlemen callers that Laura will have. 21. I agree because Amanda made a very big deal about how many gentlemen callers she used to get a lot of gentlemen callers when she was younger. She wants Laura to get a gentlemen caller because she doesn’t want Laura to grow up a maid. All women where one of two things back then, they were either wives or maids. Maids were not look highly upon; they were viewed as less then house wives. -Jamie Rico

21. I disagree because Amanda was putting her old ways on Amanda's shoulders. Amanda was not the same person and society has completely changed since the time when Amanda was a southern belle. Laura rejected Amanda's methods and outlook because of her unlavish upbringing and because of the difference in her personality. It was wrong to try and press Amanda's version of culture on to Laura (a common problem with parents).


 * This is a good response but I have a different view. Amanda worrying about a gentlemen caller for Laura, is her trying to be a good mother. But I think that Laura depending on that call may be unimportant, and that she can generate her own success. ****Tyler McCarthy **

I agree with this response and I now understand why Amanda wanted a gentleman caller for Laura so badly. At first I didn’t believe she was justified, but now I’ve changed my mind. At first I thought see was going a little overboard when she was obsessing about getting her a gentleman caller but it’s for a good cause, even though I believe she didn’t have to worry about it so much. - Kevin MacMunn This response is good, but Amanda could also want a gentlemen caller for Laura so she doesn’t have to rely on Tom all the time. If Laura had someone she could marry and live in a big house then Amanda could live with them. So she did want the best for her daughter but she could want the best for herself to. Hillary

ASHLEY LIPSEY: In my opinion, Amanda is somewhat justified and somewhat not. I believe that she is justified in the fact that since she knows Laura will not succeed academically, she wants to help find her a gentleman caller. She understands that if Laura cannot find a husband to settle down with, that she will become dependent on her family for the rest of her life. But I also think that it is wrong that she is doing this because the idea of a “gentleman caller” no longer exists in reality. Not only that, but she is becoming obsessed with this task and I don’t think she can even fully function anymore. She is helping to drive herself crazy as well as Laura.

I do agree with what you are saying. Also, don't forget she also wanted her to find a gentlemen caller becuase she did not have a trade of her own. For example, a career and she dropped out of school. Although Amanda went about it the wrong way I think she only did it because she saw how Laura was living her life. She had nothing to look forward to because she was shy and distanced herself. - Murad Cofer

I agree with this response and I now understand why Amanda wanted a gentleman caller for Laura so badly. At first I didn’t believe she was justified, but now I’ve changed my mind. At first I thought see was going a little overboard when she was obsessing about getting her a gentleman caller but it’s for a good cause, even though I believe she didn’t have to worry about it so much. - Kevin MacMunn

 I am Holden

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Caulfield Brother of Allie, Phoebe, and D.B. Who needs cigarettes, money, and a friend Who loves Phoebe, himself, and Allie Who sees smoke, alcohol, and phonies Who hates phonies, movies, and actors Who fears fighting, failure, disappointment Who dreams of going to California, going back to school, and a mute deaf wife Who wonders what he’s going to do with his life, where the ducks go in winter time, and what people think of him Resident of New York City, New York

Caulfield

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