Through my reading of Sister Wife,I selected the main character Celeste, to identify as an archetype. Celeste seems to exemplify the archetypal characteristics of a hero for various reasons. Celeste is a caring and family-oriented person who is given the obstacle of marriage at the age of fifteen. The path of the plot in the novel is identified by Celeste's journey of who she is herself, and the new identity she acquires. Celeste had to learn in order to grow into this new identity though because she was reluctant to disobey her religion by not marrying. She was exceedingly encouraged by outsiders around her though, especially by her love interest Jon. Celeste had a struggle of finding out what she wanted. Celeste wanted to be free to think and act as she chose while still wanting her family to be happy and functional.
So, for her family's sake, Celeste sacrificed her life by marrying a man in Unity. Celeste figured she could then visit and aid her family. However, Celeste soon found out that the miserable wreck her family had become could not be changed by her even if she did continue to live in Unity and obey her religion's rules. Once learning this and excepting that her family's religion was not right for her, Celeste finally leaves Unity to continue her life freely as she so chooses.
"'Can I ask you a question, Nanette?' She tilts her head waiting. 'Are you happy?' 'I am very happy.' "What about you?' she asks. I think about it. It is hard being a single and very young mom. Taviana, Hunter, Abigail and the other guys {people she lives with at a teen house for teens who have left Unity} all help out when they can, but the weight of responsibility mine. So no, I'm not always happy. Sometimes I'm stressed and worried, and I miss Craig terribly when he is away. I inhale. But do I regret my decision to leave Unity? I look down at Hope {daughter of Celeste}, who is balancing rocks on the beach. No. Not at all. I'm finally free to think for myself. 'I'm good,' I tell her. 'Very Good.'"
Although Celeste's life still has its ups and downs, Celeste is free do as she chooses which, in the end, makes her the happiest.
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I agree with you when you said that leaving the Unity would make her happiest and would make her more indepedent, but who does Celeste feel about leaving her family behind?
ReplyDeleteOriginally, Celeste would have felt guilty, but feels less so when she realizes she cannot change her family's situation. Although Celeste still cares for her family, I think Celeste realizes that they're pulling her away from what she needs. I think there comes a point when Celeste stops worrying about them and just walks away.
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