Through establishing gender roles as one of the primary motifs in the novel, Frank Norris projects Laura as a historically distinctive character. This is evidenced through both the diction surrounding the manner and the uniqueness of her actions, comparatively. .
At the mere mention of approaching Mr. Jadwin, Laura's culturally apt sister gasped with utter exaggeration. Page's lack of "words" on the matter signify just how culturally unsound such actions were considered at this time. Her aunt, while not particularly firm on the manner, advises her not to be too daring or bold. Even Laura's personal hesitation on approaching the man suggests that such actions were erroneous. Furthermore, Jadwin's "expression of suspicion" calls the propriety of Laura's actions into question. After all, it was this very uncommonly bold deed which caused his intrigue for Laura to emerge. Also noteworthy, are the brazen comments of other characters which had witnessed this exchange, describing Laura's "none too gracious" or "grand manner." This very same flirtatious manner with which Laura approaches all of her suitors in the novel causes the reader to question the motivation behind her actions. It also allows one to view her as a character which transcends the barriers of both culture and time to become, to some extent, a woman of the twentieth century. .
The drastic cultural evolutions which have taken place over the past decades have allowed for Laura's actions to be socially accepted in American culture. Truly, a woman held back by gender barriers today would be considered sheltered as well as inopportune. However, while many aspects of American culture have evolved, the core nature of the human being seems to remain unalterable. Perhaps then, the sole reason that Laura would hesitate to approach Jaswin today could be simply descried as bashfulness or a mere insecurity forever embedded in the human personalit.
Though there are many, Laura's glass unicorn is the prevalent symbol because it most accurately conveys Laura's sense of self. ... Similarly, Laura is also unusual, lonely, and a standout in society. ... As the unicorn, Laura is also extremely fragile. ... Evidently, as the unicorn, Laura cannot become normal without somehow shattering. Unfortunately, Laura loses her battle of reality vs. illusion. ...
She wants Laura, not herself to be taken care of. ... The glass piece that was Laura's favorite piece, the unicorn. ... Together Tom and Laura find a dream world on the fire escape. ... This can be seen when Amanda sends Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire escape. ... Finally, The lives of both Tom and Laura, are more fantasy then reality. ...
Amanda, concerned about Laura's future, desperately but unsuccessfully tries to find Laura a "gentleman caller", and even enrolls her in business school, not realizing the real obstacle to Laura's success. ... What Amanda does not realise is that by trying to turn Laura into a social extroverted woman like herself, she is simply building up Laura's insecurities and enforcing her abnormality. With each attempt to change Laura, she puts another barrier in front of Laura, with each attempt, she confirms Laura's biggest anxiety, her abnormality, and with each attempt ...
Everyone has a dream in this life, the only difference is if they choose to live the dream or the reality. ... Then there's Laura. ... The collection also represents the colorful and exciting imagination Laura devotes herself to. Among the collection, there is Laura's favorite, the glass unicorn (202). ... Now, Jim breaks the horn and at the same time he has broken Laura's heart. ...
She blames their absence on "a flood" or "a tornado," unable to accept the real reasons why callers will not visit Laura (1411). Many people choose not to face reality because they are afraid that the future will be different then what they had planned. ... People choosing to ignore their problems will make hiding an involuntary habit. ... She also tells Laura that she will marry "some nice man," giving Laura a little hope (1415). ... It is then that people must choose to either to live this trapped lifestyle or make the changes for a happier one. ...
""- (Kohn, 1)Laura chooses to spend her time with her tiny glass animals, and she treasures them more than actually participating in daily contact with other people. ... ""- (2) This is much like Laura herself. ... ""- (2) During Laura''s and Jim''s brief romantic encounter, Laura is gaining more confidence in herself. ... ""Laura feels more accepted and less self-conscious. ... When Jim tells Laura of his engagement she is heartbroken. ...
They provide Laura's refuge from reality. ... This fantasy life that Laura longs for is probably why she thought she could get away with deceiving her mother about going to business school. ... Laura screams "My glass! ... Amanda goes on saying she's sick too of her nonsense and asks why she can"t be a normal person. ... The conversation carried on by Laura and Jim coincides with Laura's self. ...
Laura is by far one of the best friends I could ask for. ... Laura also never gives up. ... Well, Laura will rarely accept anything from anyone. ... Laura is never afraid to tell your what she thinks. ... For me, Laura is someone I can go to and trust. ...
