Jennie Dixiana Essay Example

The recollections of her mother bring forth moments of positivity, albeit scarce. These memories act as a refuge within Jennie's mind, granting temporary respite from reality and numbing her emotions during the ordeal.

Despite the and their contents, Jennie had to take on adult responsibilities at a young age due to her neglectful father. In addition to being his substitute in sexual activities, she assumed the roles typically performed by both men and women, such as cooking, farming, laundry, and bartering. These tasks were traditionally assigned to grown women, but Jennie had to undertake them alone as she grew up.

Following the death of Jennie’s mother, she has taken on both traditional male and female roles within her household. While most six-year-olds typically play with dolls and spend time with friends, Jennie's situation is different as her father treats her like a doll. Regrettably, this leads to emotional harm for Jennie as she is forced to act as a substitute wife, mother, and both male and female figures in her family. Without her mother present, Sister, a conjure woman, becomes the closest person to Jennie. Since her mother's untimely demise, Jennie finds herself with no other family members besides her alcoholic father and Sister.

Jennie discovers the art of survival and seeking vengeance through her interactions with Sister. Sister skillfully deceives the Marchette family by claiming that there is a biblical verse capable of halting bleeding (33). Due to their limited understanding of hemorrhages at the time, they are compelled to trust Sister's words. This perception of Sister as possessing mystical abilities elevates her status to a divine and sanctified figure. Throughout Jennie's upbringing, she forms a

bond with Sister, who gradually assumes a maternal role by providing nourishment during times of hunger and periodically checking up on her.

At the age of 12, Jennie finally confides in Sister about the terrible things Slater has inflicted upon her. On that night, Sister hands Jennie a shovel, holding it like a spike-driving hammer (40). Sister urges Jennie to seek revenge on her father for the immense harm he has caused. The shovel represents transformation because when Jennie chooses to strike her father with it, she experiences an unprecedented sense of empowerment; she is no longer passively submitting, but actively taking control of her situation.

Although the act of killing Slater brought satisfaction, it is not enough to erase the bitter and dreadful memories that have left lasting scars on Jennie's psyche. Looking to the future, these memories will continue to haunt her. Sister, in an effort to offer solace, suggests that Jennie join the circus, as her attractiveness as a "pretty little white girl" will guarantee her success. Sister insinuates that talent is not necessary for women to earn a living, as long as they possess beauty and allure. It is on the day that Jennie Marchette signs the circus contract that a new identity emerges - Jennie Dixiana is born.

Jennie compares herself to "a dirty flopsy doll buried deep in the sand" (40), symbolizing how she has always obediently followed her father's instructions and pretended to be someone she's not. This analogy illustrates her decision to leave her past behind and start a new chapter in the circus. Throughout her time at the circus, Jennie evolves into a woman with multiple personalities, using them

as tools for revenge and self-preservation. Amidst all this, her connection with Porter Wallace starts to develop.

Jennie first meets Porter while playing poker. While sitting at a table with powerful and wealthy men, she employs a poker face that hides her true skill. She pretends to be sweet and shy, concealing her strong and vengeful nature. The men are deceived by her appearance as a delicate and reserved girl, thus lowering their defenses. They assume she is fooling herself in front of them. However, Jennie knows exactly what she wants from these men.

When she was younger, the narrator was taken advantage of by her father, leading her to seek revenge and power in the men she encounters. During a poker game, Day highlights how Jennie is the one in control, stating that her blond hair glistens like a flask and as time goes on, the men become tired while Jennie's eyes shine like dark diamonds (25). She strategically lowers herself to manipulate these men into feeling powerful like kings, only to later expose their foolishness and take away that feeling.

Jennie's eyes glimmer with dark and gleaming diamonds, defying the norms of regular white ones. This stark contrast reflects her ability to remove her facade and expose her true self as a vengeful and cold-hearted woman. Much like a snake, she patiently waits for men to let their guard down and become ensnared in her trap. Having grown up in harsh circumstances, Jennie longs for a life of luxury that Porter can provide. Through careful observation, she recognizes that Porter is unlike any man she has encountered before.

Jennie understood the type of woman Wallace Porter desired

- a ghost. This did not pose a problem for Jennie because her entire childhood consisted of existing but not truly living(30). She was consistently pressured to become someone other than herself, causing her to numb her emotions and escape from reality, leaving behind only a lifeless body. It then becomes clear to her that Porter is similar to her father, as she is merely a substitute for Irene in his life, just as she had been a substitute for her mother to Slater. Jennie learns to adopt various identities and utilize them to her advantage in different situations.

After their first intimate encounter, Jennie knows that she desires a luxurious lifestyle with her own personalized Pullman car. She envisions her name painted boldly on the side and the floors and ceilings lined with mirrors. In addition to a life of comfort and wealth, she also seeks fame, believing that Porter can provide it for her. This pivotal night brings her closer to achieving her desires. The mirrored ceilings hold great significance for Jennie as each mirror represents a different version of herself as Jennie Dixiana. She relishes the opportunity to choose which reflection she wants to embody at any given time.

Undeniably, her association with both Slater and Sister has had a profound impact on her behavior. Consequently, she is compelled to assume different personas, ultimately losing her true self and adopting various identities, all the while remaining cognizant of her ambitions and motivations. In summary, Jennie transforms into a cunning and vindictive individual as a result of the traumas endured during her formative years. She emerges as an assertive woman who desires retribution and dominance

over the men she encounters, owing to the loss of authority and innocence imposed upon her by her father.

This indicates that the majority of children who go through childhood trauma are unlikely to fully heal from it. It is advised that parents allocate time and exhibit patience with their children since they absorb information rapidly and are influenced by their surroundings. The trauma not only leaves a lasting mark, but it also significantly shapes their identity in adulthood. By providing a solid familial base and a network of support, parents play a key role in enabling children to develop into mentally and physically healthy individuals. Ensuring this rests on the shoulders of parents.