Mary, Mary · Theme
Appearance and Dress
How Mary, Mary develops Appearance and Dress.
Dress is a major motif, representing identity, aspiration, and social status; the mother's detailed rules on clothing and their shared fantasies about elaborate gowns serve as a means of expressing their souls and escaping their poverty.
Where it surfaces
- V
The chapter is entirely devoted to Mary's physical description and her mother's manipulation of her appearance to maintain an illusion of youth.
- VIII
Mary's meticulous attention to her dress, hair, and necklace reflects her desire to present herself as grown-up and attractive.
- Chapter X
Mary's distress over her short skirt and false hem underscores her preoccupation with how she is perceived.
- XII
Mary carefully alters her skirt and styles her hair to look her best for the meeting.
- XXII
Mary's careful dressing and the detailed shopping for Nora's Communion outfit highlight the importance of appearance.
- XXVII
The chapter is dominated by detailed discussions of dress, fashion rules, and the symbolic importance of clothing for Mary and her mother.