Real Women

Ella makes me laugh. She is certainly a character. Although, I couldn't help but feel that she was a little bit younger than fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen in the book. Perhaps that is because the book is written for children.

Another thing that bothered me about Ella is her somewhat revengeful nature. I mean, the things she did to characters they certainly deserved, but that didn't mean she had to do them. She was definitely selfless with people that she loved, but not with those she disliked. For example, she stole Hattie's wig; she stamped on Hattie's foot; she made fun of the tall girl at finishing school. She seemed to easily want to hurt those that took advantage of her. This may be something that feminists adore about Ella--the fact that she is able to take care of herself and do her very best to not be pushed around. However, I find this trait undesirable. Once again, I am probably being too old fashioned, but I think there is something to be said for someone who is able to take suffering without complaint, or at least to be kind even in the face of unkindness. I'm not saying we should all just let people tramp over us. We just shouldn't lower ourselves to their level. I really enjoyed Areida in the story, who seemed very competent and had a mind of her own, but took the jests of others without trying to get revenge. She even took care of the mean tall girl when she was sick.

There are people in this world who always even the score--people who take back what was stolen, return what harm was given, and make known their suffering by serving it to others. Ella was certainly not this revengeful, though she did have small bouts. I'm just saying there is a lot to be said for someone who can handle suffering quietly. That to me is a real woman; or even a real man.