Student Question

What are three personality traits of the main character in "Jacob Have I Loved"?

Quick answer:

Sara Louise, the main character, is alienated, capable, and resilient. She feels overshadowed by her sister Caroline, who receives more attention due to her health and charm, leading Sara to feel rejected and bitter. Despite her capability, especially in contributing to the family's income, she is taken for granted. However, Sara Louise's resilience shines as she endures disappointments and ultimately realizes she must change her life's circumstances herself.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Sara Louise, the main character in the book, is alienated, but capable and resilient.

Sara Louise has always lived in the shadow of her twin sister Caroline.  More obviously needy because of her fragile health, Caroline has received the lion's share of attention from her parents, and her golden looks and personality cause others to immediately take to her at the expense of the more dour Sara Louise.  Feeling rejected and unloved, Sara Louise becomes bitter and hateful, further contributing to her alienation.

There is no doubt that Sara Louise is capable in many ways, but to her this is more a curse than a blessing.  It is she who contributes to the family income with crabbing skill, but convention frowns upon girls working with the men on more challenging endeavors like oystering.   More to the point, it is Sara Louise's ability to get things done that brings her family to depend on her while they pamper her more frail sister.  Sara Louise feels that because she is able to get by on her own, she is taken for granted.

Though many of her problems are arguably brought about by herself, Sara Louise really does bear disappointment after disappointment with resilience and strength.  It is hard for her to see her sister get so many of the things she herself wants - attention, boarding school, and McCall Purnell.  Yet Sara Louise endures, finally coming to the realization that only she can change the circumstances of her life.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial