This story revolves a lot around sex. Seems to me that the contradiction underlines the fact that she is only thirteen year old girl, despite the image of herself she is creating by wearing her sister's clothes and establishing relations with all the older railroad men. I would even dare to say this image is a result of her obsession with her sister, whose legacy she is proudly willing to make her own.
The innocence could be interpreted from a predatory sexual perspective as well, but I consider that somewhat far-fetched.
And in a way it is perfectly normal for kids to want to grow up before time so despite being "childlike and innocent" Willie dresses as an adult because she may wish to be one. In addition she admires Alva very much and aspires to be like her. To do so she must be surrounded by "railroad men" and has to fit the image of a woman, not a child.
This story revolves a lot around sex. Seems to me that the contradiction underlines the fact that she is only thirteen year old girl, despite the image of herself she is creating by wearing her sister's clothes and establishing relations with all the older railroad men. I would even dare to say this image is a result of her obsession with her sister, whose legacy she is proudly willing to make her own.
ReplyDeleteThe innocence could be interpreted from a predatory sexual perspective as well, but I consider that somewhat far-fetched.
And in a way it is perfectly normal for kids to want to grow up before time so despite being "childlike and innocent" Willie dresses as an adult because she may wish to be one. In addition she admires Alva very much and aspires to be like her. To do so she must be surrounded by "railroad men" and has to fit the image of a woman, not a child.
DeleteAna Beatriz Pinto