Blog #4

 

                There is a sharp contrast in the way Adeline is treated by different individuals. For example, Adeline’s desolation is highlighted by the love and support her friend Wu Chun-mei receives by her family. Wu Chun-mei is constantly hosting parties for her friends and is encouraged to do so by her mother. Adeline on the other hand, is forbidden to have guests in her home, or be a guest in anybody else’s. When she is invited to attend Wu Chun-mei’s birthday party, she reluctantly agree to attend hoping Niang would not find out of her disobedience. Unfortunately, when Niang discovers she has been deceived, she punishes Adeline for failing to comply to her rules. Furthermore, Niang sends Adeline to boarding school after her friends surprise her with an impromptu celebration in her home. Her stepmother not only scolds her, but physically beats her in front of her friends. One might say Niang did this out of spite and intended to humiliate Adeline in front of her friends. The event was obviously traumatic for Adeline and her friends, being good individuals, had the decency to turn a blind eye and not mention any of this to Adeline Instead, the day after, they demonstrated their support in Adeline’s ability to be a good leader. Perhaps they figure if she did not get the support she needed at home, she could get the support she desperately needed and deserved from her friends and teacher at school. Adeline’s experiences of friendship and support during her time with the Schillings are nothing short of ideal. Unlike with her family, she is always included and made to feel important. She does not automatically “get the short end of the stick” because everyone is treated fairly. Moreover, the sibling dynamic between the Victor and his sister is one based on love and protectiveness whereas, Adeline is constantly subjected to envy and detest by her siblings. They do nothing to protect her and even single her out to be a scapegoat to avoid Niang’s wrath. Most importantly, Adeline feel safe and loved by the Schillings because they treat her with the decency any human being should be treated. She is constantly praised for her skills and acknowledged. If only Adeline could receive this treatment by her own family, her life would be radically different.