Parents play a vital role in their child’s life; the styles, attitudes, and parenting practices are critical elements that define the parent-child interaction. Children’s behavioral outcomes are very much intertwined across the various realms of development. The outcomes are based on early interaction and caregiving experiences between the parent and the child. The experiences from an early age point to have a long-lasting effect on a child’s behavioral development during their life course. The paper focuses on making a comparison in parenting between Katherine’s Doll House and Eden’s Queen of the North. The texts showcase the distinct childhood experiences of the main characters in the stories and underline how their traumatic experiences would play a significant role in defining their attitudes and personality in the future.
There is a striking similarity between Katherine’s Dollhouse and Eden’s Queen of the North regarding the social experiences that Kelvey’s children and Adelaine experience. The families were from low-economic backgrounds, which impacted the parents’ availability and time spent with the children. In Katherine’s doll house, Mrs. Kelvey spent a vast amount of time looking for washing jobs while Adelaine’s mother struggled to meet her daily needs. The connection between the two texts underlines how parental relations with their child significantly influence the identity a child develops. The absence of parental figures from an early age determines a child’s identity, whereby they are influenced by society and shape an identity or image based on external perception. For illustration, Kelvey’s children felt timid in school and displayed esteem issues based on their state of lack compared to other children. Whereas, Adeliane felt intimidated by Ronny and wanted to be like her since her parent provided her with everything considering she was an only child (Eden, p. 186).
Similarly, when comparing Katherine’s Dollhouse and Eden’s Queen of the North, their social status made them vulnerable to other people or influences. The text from Katherine’s Dollhouse reveals that Kezia invited Kelvey to her courtyard to see her doll house, despite the Kevleys being aware of their discrimination in school. They still fell for it and ended up being embarrassed when Aunt Beryl appeared and chased them away, making them vulnerable to other people’s attitudes and expectations(Mansfield, K., & Ward, 6). This is similar to Eden’s Queen of the North, where Adelaine falls victim to her uncle, who takes advantage of her in return for the treats he gives her. Uncle Josh rewarded her with money revealing Adelaine was vulnerable based on a reward. The example outlines the parental state of lack models their children’s personalities in that they would fall under the influence to compensate for what they lack.
Comparing Katherine’s Dollhouse and Eden’s Queen of the North relationship to how Burnell raised their children and Adelaine’s mother’s attitude towards her. The similarities showcase negative reinforcement in parenting styles can influence a child’s perception and values. In Katherine’s Dollhouse, the Burnell warned their children not to interact with the Kelveys,” Mother,” said Kezia, “can’t I ask the Kelleys just once? Certainly not, Kezia.” (Mansfield, K., & Ward, p.4) and even when aunt Beryl chased Kelvey from the Burnell’s courtyard, such parenting attitudes can influence the behavioral personality of a child, which child may have resentment towards a person or a group of individuals, in this case, where children were playing at school. Then Lena confronts Lil Kelley and asks her if she will be a servant (Mansfield, K., & Ward, p.4). Also is showcased in Eden’s Queen of the North when Adelaine’s mother shows resentment towards her; for instance, Adelaine’s mother would point to her friends as the good kid and rotten kid, using the words “She steals, she lies, and sleeps around, she just no damn good, (Eden, p.196). Using such reinforcement toward a child may create repulsive outcomes. Adelaine would disconnect from her mother and be aggressive when confronted about her behaviors. Therefore, parental interaction and influences impact a child’s attitude and perception of the people and the environment they interact with.
Making a comparison in the two texts in terms of how Aunt Beryl handles the situation by scolding Kezia when she found the Kevleys in the courtyard and how Adelaine’s mother reacted to her being away from home for two days would suggest the variances in parenting between the two texts. Aunt Beryl’s scolding will play a key role in influencing Kezia’s lasting personality, over which even doing what was considered correct will be reprimanded; this affects how Kezia may interact with persons, not of her social status, such as the Kevleys. Contrary to how Adeline’s mother responds to conflicting cases, she is portrayed as a passive parent who does not hold a firm hand despite Adelaine being wrong. Such parental recklessness may make a child feel justified for their actions, and in many cases, the child can appear resentful towards the parent that is less involved in their lives. The text shows there is an apparent disconnection between Adelaine and her mother, and this is reflected when “she cried to everyone claiming she was a hooker in Vancouver (Eden, p.212)
In conclusion, parental personality plays a fundamental role in defining a child’s attitude and perception. Analyzing the two texts, Katherine’s Dollhouse and Eden’s Queen of the North, helps outline parenthood’s varying influences and characteristics. The conclusion points out that a traumatizing experience may complicate a child’s future interactions in which they may become vulnerable and recoil to similar experiences. The Kelley’s and Adelaine’s personalities are negatively influenced by their lack of parental figures and their interaction with society, making them vulnerable to traumas and negative influences.
References
Eden, R. (1996). Queen of the North. Toronto. Retrieved from https://muena1.webs.ull.es/Robinson-QueenoftheNorth.pdf
Mansfield, K., & Ward, A. (1991). The doll’s house and other stories. Penguin books.
write