# Maartje Pool — So Big character guide

> Maartje Pool in So Big by Edna Ferber.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Maartje, Pool

**First appearance:** 0002-iii

## Who they are

Roelf's mother, a hardworking and traditional Dutch farm woman.

## Relationships

### [Selina DeJong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/selina_dejong)

_friendship_

A warm, neighborly friendship built on shared struggles and mutual support in the farming community.

### [Roelf Pool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/roelf_pool)

_family_

Mother and son in a loving but strained relationship as Roelf's artistic dreams clash with Maartje's practical expectations.

### [Selina DeJong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/selina_dejong)

_friendship_

A warm, neighborly friendship built on shared struggles and mutual support in the farming community.

### [Selina DeJong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/selina_dejong)

_friendship_

A warm, neighborly friendship built on shared struggles and mutual support in the farming community.

### [Roelf Pool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/roelf_pool)

_family_

Mother and son in a loving but strained relationship as Roelf's artistic dreams clash with Maartje's practical expectations.

### [Roelf Pool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/roelf_pool)

_family_

Mother and son in a loving but strained relationship as Roelf's artistic dreams clash with Maartje's practical expectations.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/iii)

Hosts Selina, shows her the bride's chest, and reveals her youthful spirit beneath a worn exterior.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/iv)

Calls Selina down to dress by the stove, shows tender affection for Roelf, and is seen smiling at Selina and Roelf's laughter.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/v)

Attends church with Selina and gossips about the Widow Paarlenberg and Pervus DeJong.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/vi)

Encourages Roelf to join the lessons; attributes Selina's mood to spring.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/vii)

Shares her own experience of running away before marriage, offering Selina wisdom about facing life.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/viii)

Recently deceased; her absence leaves the Pool household without its main caretaker.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/chapters/xiii)

Horrified by the nude sculpture of Roelf, thinks Selina brought it to spite her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters/maartje_pool
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/so_big_se/characters