Free Essays – Self-discovery in She’s Come Undone
Free Essays – Self-discovery in She’s Come Undone

Free Essays – Self-discovery in She’s Come Undone

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  • Pages: 2 (417 words)
  • Published: December 20, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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Wally Lamb's novel She's Come Undone explores the theme of self-discovery and its significance in one's life. Throughout the book, Dolores experiences multiple revelations that shift her perspective. These realizations help her understand that her failed relationships are not solely her fault and acknowledge her own worthiness of love and ability to survive independently. One significant moment occurs when Dolores reaches out for help by calling Geneva, her mother's childhood friend, moments before attempting suicide. This marks the beginning of her recovery journey. With Geneva's support, Dolores undergoes therapy with Dr. Shaw, who becomes a substitute mother figure for her and helps rewrite negative memories from her past. This process boosts Dolores' self-esteem and confidence while leading to significant weight loss as well. Instead of engaging in destructive behaviors, she redirects her

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energy towards creative pursuits. Eventually, Dolores transitions out of Dr. Shaw's care and embarks on a journey in the real world to provide for herself financially. However, some may argue that she leaves Dr.Shaw prematurely as she quickly enters into a relationship with Dante after securing her own apartment. Ashamed of her past, Dolores fabricates a fictional life story while living with Dante, leading a deceptive existence during this time period.
She deceives her grandmother with false descriptions of her marriage, but when she discovers Dante's infidelity with one of his students, she awakens to the truth. She realizes that no man is worth sacrificing her identity for and that her identity should not depend on her partner. After her grandmother dies, Dolores reveals her true self to Dante. Filled with frustration and anger, she confesses about struggles with weight, rape, and time spen

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in a mental institution. This newfound openness brings liberation to Dolores. Her journey of self-discovery continues as she starts a relationship with Thayer. She understands that he is the person she has always longed for and finds genuine happiness and luck in love for the first time. With Thayer's support, Dolores finally fulfills her dream of witnessing a whale – a symbol representing her mother, grandmother, and baby daughter – carrying deep personal significance. Dolores describes this experience as feeling "christened" and achieving ultimate fulfillment. Her withdrawal into herself followed by reemergence provides a deeper understanding of life's complexities. Dolores sums up her journey by proclaiming "Undone...Jack Speight raped me undid me then I almost undone myself.But I've also undone some of the harm.With help.With luck and love..."

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