The Effects of Kates Birthmark in Jill McCorkles Ferris Beach :: McCorkle Ferris Beach Essays

The Effects of Kates Birthmark in Jill McCorkles Ferris BeachIts a birthmark, my mother said over and over. Lots of people control birthmarks(p.44). In Jill McCorkles Ferris Beach, Kate destroy has a birthmark. The presence of her birthmark causes Kate to be shy and self-conscious. It is her weak spot, impact how she perceives both herself and others. Because of the focus Kates birthmark draws to her face, she places great importance on appearance. Kates tensity on the way things look affects her races with everyone around her and especially the women in her life. through most of the novel, Kates relationship with her mother is clouded by her relationships with Mo Rhodes and Angela. It is non until Kate is able to look past mere appearances and work out these women clearly for what they are, that her relationship with her avow mother can begin to grow and develop. Kate detests her birthmark. Even more, she hates her mothers bearing about(predicate) her birthmark. Kate de sperately wants someone to blame for her birthmark and someone to shake pity for her. She always wanted to say that if it was a birthmark it must be her Clevas fault(p.44). Her mother, however, is unsympathetic and explains, I just want her to see that she cant let this ruin her life there are things we just have to accept(p.48). Kates mother tries to constantly remind her that things could be worse and she shouldnt whine. further during her early childhood years, Kates birthmark does affect her and it is hard for her to accept. Kate feels that her birthmark is an unclouded invitation for others to hurt her. She becomes extremely self-conscious as she puts up with teasing by Merle Hucks and R.W. Quincy. Covering her face with her hand becomes an automatic reaction. Kates attitude about her birthmark and her attitude towards her mother become a source of latent hostility in their relationship. She hates that her mom simply will not apologize for the birthmark.. Kate begins to ha te her mother for her lack of compassion and so she seeks other women with which to form bonds. Mo Rhodes and Angela become substitutes to compensate for the close relationship that Kate lacks with her own mother. Mo Rhodes is the substitution class of a cool mom. When the Rhodes move in across the street, Kate is intrigued by Mo and overwhelmed by the chance to get to know Misty, a friend her own age.