Be a good girl, she said. I hope you'll be a good sister to Laura. I know you try to be. I nodded. I didn't know what to say. I felt I was the victim of an injustice: why was it always me who was supposed to be a good sister to Laura, instead of the other way around? Surely my mother loved Laura more than she loved me.
In "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood, a character reflects on a conversation with her mother, who emphasizes the importance of being a good sister to Laura. This plea for obedience leaves the protagonist feeling a sense of injustice; she questions why the responsibility to fulfill this role always falls on her. The emotional burden of being expected to support Laura weighs heavily on her, suggesting deeper familial tensions.
Moreover, the protagonist wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, believing her mother favors Laura over her. This inner conflict illustrates the complex dynamics of sibling relationships and parental expectations, highlighting the protagonist's struggle for validation and love. Atwood captures the nuances of familial affection and the impact of perceived inequality within the family structure.
