The Lack of Parental Affection as a Theme in Cat's Eye

A detailed Summary of The Lack of Parental Affection as a Theme in Cat's Eye

Parental affection is crucial in a childs life especially druing their formative years. Abscence of this loveing and tender behaviour can be detrimental to the child in their later life. In the novel Cat's Eye, by Margaret Atwood, the main character Elaine Risley has sufered many emotional conditiona such as depression, suicidal tendencies, and has diplayed symptoms similar to that of a person suffering with schitzophrenia, all as a result of her parents' lack of affection toward her. This emotional scarring affected every aspect of her life; her career, her marriages, and her family, as well as her ability to rationalize any of the decisions she had made in her life.

As a child Elaine was moved around, never establishing a permanent home until she was nine years old. During this time she was very dependant on her parents to provide comfort, friendship,as well as fulilling their parental responsibilities as teachers of valuble life lessons;

My mother smiles at me, in the kitchen with the woodstove, and hugs me with one arm. She thinks I'm happy. Some nights we have marshmallows, for a treat.(156)

Mrs. Risley's obliviousness towards her daughters feelings is astonishing. Elaine is aware that ehr mother was ignorant regarding hr

Although the intention was for a suitable home, a necessity in life, Elaine suffered alone:

We'll all have to pitch in says mother, which means that we are not to complain. We will have to do the best we can(33)

Her lonliness is evident suggesting that her career choice, although it was discoveres later on in her life, was inevitable. Painting is a very solitude expression of one's feelings and inner self. Elain felt that she could never articualte her feelings openly in her home, which forced her to supress all of her emotions. When they were finally released, through her art, they were often misenterpreted, causing frustration for Elaine. It is obvious that Elaine's career was severly, although not necessarily negativley, affected by her parents and their unresponsive behaviour towards her.

this is so much like what a family would say, a mother, or an aunt that i'm thrown off guard. Who is this family, and whose family is it? suddenly Charna reacjes over to me and gives me a quick metallic hug. Maybe that warmth is genuine, maybe she really does like me, wish me well. I can almost believe it.(433)

Because Elaine never experienced the warmth of family that she should have, her

Some common words found in the essay are:
Elaine Risley, ARISEalthough Ealine, , Margaret Atwood, life elaine, elaine risley, elaine suffered,

Approximate Word count = 803
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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