bashoGWSS1

Alice struggles in her pre-teen life to fit in, and to overcome everyday obstacles. She is ditched by her friends, then fights with her mom, and watches those close to her struggle in the name of love. Alice is frustrated because she is constantly held back by limits. She is limited to what she can buy. Because she doesn't have a sleeping bag, she cant go to the sleepover. When she arrives to class late with her friend they each get their name on the board. Later on, when the teacher asks if there are any questions, I noticed a few girls quietly raise their hands, while many boys chanted loudly. Not to my surprise, the teacher chose to go over the number that was being chanted loudly, instead of calling on those sitting quietly. Also, none of the boys were penalized for their actions. They were rewarded. Alice is also frustrated with the fact that she always has to do what people are telling her to. I watched her mom tell her to play with her brother, then tell her to bring something to the neighbors, and then tell her to do the dishes. I think that this really wore on Alice, and added to her frustration with the girls at school.

I also thought it was very interesting that most of the women surrounding Alice were struggling with men. Her mom didn't have a man to help support her. The neighbor was so happy with her boyfriend, and then we he left, everything went downhill. She stopped caring about how she looked and acted. Everywhere Alice looked there was a man with a woman, and when they were together everything was good, but when apart, it was horrible. Society and the people influencing Alice were constantly telling her how to look and act in order to get a man, and be happy.

I feel that Alice isn't being herself, but just being who she thinks she needs to be, and who everyone is telling her to be.