The Effects of Kates Birthmark in Jill McCorkles Ferris Beach :: McCorkle Ferris Beach Essays

The Effects of Kates Birthmark in Jill McCorkles Ferris BeachIts a birthmark, my mother said over and over. Lots of people have birthmarks(p.44). In Jill McCorkles Ferris Beach, Kate Burns has a birthmark. The posture of her birthmark causes Kate to be shy and self-conscious. It is her weak spot, affecting how she perceives both herself and others. Because of the focus Kates birthmark draws to her face, she places great importance on appearance. Kates stress on the way things image affects her relationships with everyone around her and especially the women in her life. Through most of the novel, Kates relationship with her mother is clouded by her relationships with Mo Rhodes and Angela. It is not until Kate is able to look past unsullied appearances and see these women clearly for what they are, that her relationship with her own mother can begin to grow and develop. Kate hates her birthmark. Even more, she hates her mothers attitude about her birthmark. Kate desperately expec ts someone to blame for her birthmark and someone to have pity for her. She always wanted to say that if it was a birthmark it must be her Clevas fault(p.44). Her mother, however, is unsympathetic and explains, I just want her to see that she cant let this ruin her life there are things we just have to accept(p.48). Kates mother tries to constantly remind her that things could be worse and she shouldnt whine. yet during her early childhood years, Kates birthmark does affect her and it is hard for her to accept. Kate feels that her birthmark is an open invitation for others to hurt her. She becomes extremely self-conscious as she puts up with teasing by blackbird Hucks and R.W. Quincy. Covering her face with her hand becomes an automatic reaction. Kates attitude about her birthmark and her attitude towards her mother become a source of tension in their relationship. She hates that her mom simply will not apologize for the birthmark.. Kate begins to hate her mother for her lack of compassion and so she seeks other women with which to form bonds. Mo Rhodes and Angela become substitutes to compensate for the most relationship that Kate lacks with her own mother. Mo Rhodes is the epitome of a cool mom. When the Rhodes move in across the street, Kate is intrigued by Mo and overwhelmed by the chance to get to realize Misty, a friend her own age.