In chapter 35 the readers begin to see the true nature of Elizabeth. Her character is shown in depth through her talk with Natty in the jail. Elizabeth feels indebted to Natty due to him saving her life from the panthers. She is willing to do as much as she can while abiding to the law to make Natty's time in jail acceptable. She states, "Here you must stay for thirty days; but i have the money for your fine in this purse. Take it; pay it in the morning and summon patience for your month. I will come often to see you, with my friend; we will make your clothes with our own hands indeed, indeed, you shall be comfortable" (392). In this statement a reader can see the love and gratitude she has for Natty. Also, the respect she has for her father in regards to trying to talk Natty out of escaping from jail due to her father being the judge who sentenced him.
Elizabeth's true character is compassionate to any person regardless of their background. Her respect for Natty even though he is looked down upon by everyone else in her community shows that she is different than the rest. Her upbringing has no deferred her morals or heart in situations she feels strongly about. Elizabeth is logical as well. She tries to create a solution for the situation that both helps Natty and Temple. As much as Elizabeth is willing to do for Natty he shows that he is unwilling to oblige her offer. He has made up his mind that he will not spend thirty days in jail. His character is shown of true independence of almost all other humans. Elizabeth is putting much effort forth to convince him not to leave and he degrades her saying she can not do what she is claiming. Natty says, "Your little fingers couldn't do much on a buckskin, nor be you used to such a thread as sinews" (392). Elizabeth's character is of logic and compassion for people who have helped her. On the other hand Natty is unable to take a helping hand from someone. He is very determined and strong minded in doing whatever he pleases, where Elizabeth will think rationally about how to solve a situation where everyone benefits.
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you focused on Elizabeth, since we haven't had much time to discuss her in class! The passages you quote are very interesting. When you're analyzing, explain how you come to the conclusion that you're arguing for. For example, you say "a reader can see the love and gratitude she has for Natty." How does the reader see this? Is it certain words she's using, or a general tone? Make your thought process explicit so that your reader can see how you arrived at that conclusion.
Your depiction of Elizabeth as both compassionate and rational strikes me as correct, even though her father derides her for being purely emotional and not logical. I think you're right, and that Temple doesn't give his daughter enough credit.
All best,
Kelly