Bold Girls - Marie Flashcards
What do we know about Marie?
Marie is a widowed housewife with two children she works in a poor job and struggles for money. Despite this, she appears to be very happy and always makes sure her house is welcoming for visitors.
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Even before Marie speaks we are given a very positive impression of her by the stage directions. It is immediately clear that she makes the most of what little she has. She is a good mother and a good hostess?
E - ‘ toys that are new and gleaming and flashing with lights and have swallowed up the year’s savings ‘
A- Marie puts her children before herself. in order to make sure that they have the latest toys, she is is willing to sacrifice all of her savings even though money is tight.
E - ‘ It’s pots and pans and steam and the kettle always hot for tea ‘
A - This tells us that Marie is a frequent hostess. She ensures that no guest will go without refreshments
E - ‘ it’ furniture that’s bald with age and a hearth in front of the coal fire that,s gleaming clean ‘
A - The age and condition of the furniture tells us that Marie does not have much money. However, she makes the most of this by making sure that everything is clean and tidy. This tells us that she is skilled in domestic chores. (Could also us the frenetic efficiency as skilled at chores/housework)
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Marie looks upon her dead husband Michael with an admiration which matches religious devotion and relates anyhting good in her life to him?
E - ‘ There is a small picture of the virgin on one wall, a large grainy blow-up photo of a smiling young man on the other ‘
A - Marie,s large picture of Michael is a centrepiece of the stage. The fact that it’s bigger than the picture of the Virgin Mary suggests that she places him on a pedestal like an icon. This tells us a great deal about Marie’s priorities in life.
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Indirect characterisation suggests to us that Marie is naive and worships a false idol?
E - ‘ When trying to convince Marie to go to the club, Cassie says ‘ Sure he was hardly here when he was alive ‘
A - The idealised view of Michael held by Marie is not shared by other characters. This suggests to us that she is possibly delusional and may become very unhappy when confronted with the truth.
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Marie is kind, caring and motherly. When Deirdre knocks on the door she is unable to ignore her visitor and is willing to let her stay. Even when she is annoyed by Dierdre she is still very caring?
E - ‘ You’d better sit down by the fire ‘
A - Even when confronted by a complete stranger, Marie is unable to turn her away. Instead she invites her in and shows concern for her well-being.
E - ‘ Well you wouldn’t have me turn her out on the street in a towel would you?’
A - Even after Deirdre has exploited her hospitality, Marie remains considerate
E - when the three women are in her house and she offers them some of hwer dinner even though money is tight
watch the glass
your not walking hom like that
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Marie is shy, She does not enjoy being the centre of confrentation?
E- ‘ Oh I hate standing out in front of everyone.’
A - When she wins the chance to play ‘ The Price is Right, ‘ Marie is very reluctant to go up as everyone will be looking at her . This shows that she prefers to remain in the background
E - ‘ Feel a bit like the last meat pie in the shop out here, Cassie,’
A - As Cassie dances extravagantly, Marie is sent to get her by Nora. Her movement are cautious and she is unhappy that everyone is looking at them. This further shows her reluctance to take the spotlight.
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Marie is a good friend?
E - When Cassie reveals that she is afraid of what will happen when her husband is released from jail, Marie reassures her by saying; ‘ I’ll be just across the road, I won’t let you go crazy. You just see what you’ll get if you try it.’
A - Instead of being shocked by Cassie’s revelations, Marie is very supportive. She knows that she will be there even when times are tough
E - ‘ I don’t know how you coped with all Joe’s carry on. I don’t. You were the martyr there, Cassie. ‘
A - Marie offers a sympathetic ear for a trouble friend. She reassures her friend that her suffering is not imagined
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Mari’s selfless, gentle and caring nature is also evident in her treatment of animals?
E - ‘ she’s worried she won’t be out of her bed tom feed the the sparrows their crusts first thing.’
A - This shows how selfless Marie is. Instead of going to bed after getting home late, she scatters crumbs for the birds as she is worried she will sleep in. Her first thoughts are never for herself
E - ‘ She wouldn’t tread on a spider if she found it in her shoe.’
A - Cassie’s observation again highlights how caring Marie is. Even when it is an inconvenience, she is not willing to treat other beings with anything other than complete care and affection
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Marie is a positive character who is able to put a positive spin on even poor circumstances?
E - When Cassie asks why she is so happy, Marie says: ‘ I’ve a lot to be thankful for. I’ve my kids, my job, a nice wee house and i can still afford to pay for it.’
A - Although she is impoverished and struggling to cope financially, Marie is thankful for what she has. While she has to suffer, she is pleased hat she is still able to provide for others
What is the evidence and analysis for the observation; Despite her apparent positivism and delusional nature, Marie is very self-aware?
E - ‘ I know nothing at all. That’s the only story I’m fit to tell you about, about nothing at all… Except being brave and coping great and never complaining and holding the home together.’
A - Marie is fully aware of the way others see her. It is clear from this that her apparent ignorance is an intentional construct which she has built to save herself from complete misery.
