Discussion Topic
Characterization of Paul's mother in "Tangerine"
Summary:
Paul's mother in "Tangerine" is characterized as a controlling and meticulous figure. She is deeply concerned with maintaining appearances and order, often prioritizing these over the emotional needs of her family. Her strict demeanor and focus on perfection create tension within the household, affecting her relationships with her children and husband.
How would you describe Paul's mother in "Tangerine"?
I think, too, that she is what a lot of mothers are when it comes to their children; Naive and dillusiional--both of the parents actually. This was most evident when the grandparents came to town under the "December 3, later" section. It states, "Mom and Dad took turns talking, just as they had at the meeting. Grandmom and Grandpop didn't seem surprised by any of what they heard. They took it all without even blinking." "When it was over, when we had told them every bad thing there was to tell...Grandmom put her hand on her heart, sighed deeply and said, '"You know what I'm going to tell you, Caroline...you're paying now for what you didn't do back then..." The grandfather, retorting the Dad's attempt to protect Erik again, stated, "Wedidtell you so. Erick did need help. He needed a doctor's help." The father's reply shows that he and the...
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mom, both, were in denial about the needs of their son: "No. Erik did not need a doctor's help. He did not need drugs. He did not need to be one of those medicated kids who float around all the time like they're underwater."
Unfortunately, the they clearly ignored the fact that Erik had a mental issue
that needed to be cared for. Ironically, some parents in real society seem to
overmedicate. The difficulty is trying to find a balance.
Paul's mother is a controlling woman. She is over protective about some things, but often acts as If Erick is her only child rather than Erick an Paul. When there is an injury on the football field because of lightening, she holds a meeting and wants the practice times to be changed. When Paul makes the soccer team, she makes sure his IEP is transfered to his new school and he is removed from the soccer team because school insurance won't cover him. She is always having people over to her home for one type of meeting or another to try and control events in her community. However she has lost sight of the control she needs. She and Paul's father have lied to Paul for seven years about what happened to his eyes. They have protected one son at the risk of harming the other one.
How is the mother's character described at the start of Tangerine?
The author presents Paul's mom as being a very well-organized person. The Fisher family are packing up their belongings ahead of their imminent move to Tangerine County, Florida, where they will start a new life. Moving house is always a very stressful experience, with lots to do and many different things to organize. That's why it's so important to have someone around who's methodical, well-organized, and with the ability to plan ahead.
That someone would be Mrs. Fisher. She plans the big move from Texas to Florida like a military operation. She herself moved around a lot as a child and so has vast experience of what such a logistical operation involves. Everyone has been given their orders, just like in the army, along with their supplies and a timetable. Mrs. Fisher has worked out that if the family leaves Texas at 6:00 AM central daylight time, stop three times at twenty minutes a stop, then they should arrive at their destination by 9:00 PM eastern daylight time.
Clearly, this whole moving business has been planned by Mrs. Fisher down to the last detail. Planning and organizing things is very much her forte, as we will see later on in the story when she becomes actively involved in the work of the neighborhood Architectural Committee.