The Idealization of Mothers and Wives Through Gender Norms

Serle explores how gender norms shape the way mothers and wives are viewed in contemporary American society through her descriptions of Carol from Katy’s point of view. Having Katy serve as the sole narrator in the novel allows for an interesting take on motherhood as Katy clings to an idealized version of Carol for comfort throughout her life and even beyond Carol’s death. Carol’s marriage to Chuck is shaped by patriarchal gender norms as she sacrifices her passion for design in order to support Chuck’s clothing business, acting in accordance with the values of dependability and infallibility which society demands of her.

Katy is used to viewing Carol as a mother and wife first, and a person second. She realizes this only as she gets to know young Carol. Young Carol reveals to Katy...