Cleaning Out Vivian's Attic Character Analysis
The desire to belong is a basic human emotional need. As humans, we crave love and acceptance by family and friends. Often, our greatest fear is losing these people from our lives. Children raised in a secure and loving home in a community where they feel like they fit in, will often thrive emotionally. Children who are abandoned or abused by those responsible for caring for them, will likely feel estranged from their communities and may rebel against their communities or become overly withdrawn. For alienated individuals, coming to terms with their childhood traumas and bonding with others who similarly suffered, could create a community where they can learn to trust others and develop the type of secure relationships that we all need
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Molly identifies with Vivian’s childhood traumas and the resulting sense of isolation and abandonment that Vivian suffered. This unexpected shared suffering gives Molly the courage to examine her own traumas. Molly is the first person that Vivian confides-in about her childhood. By taking Molly into her confidence, Vivian implicitly communicates to Molly that she trusts her and cares about her. As Vivian releases the negative feelings and secrets she had kept pent up for decades, she triggers a release in Molly. When Molly learns about Vivian’s difficult childhood, she realizes that she should not let her unfortunate past define her future. The turtle tattoo Molly got when she turned 16 symbolizes Molly’s transformation from reserved to accepting. Like a turtle’s protective shell, Molly put up a protective shell and shut herself out from the outside world. Molly decision to get a turtle tattoo originated from the importance of the turtle in Native American culture. The meaning behind the turtle, once told to her by her father is that, “Turtles carry their homes on their backs. They’re exposed and hidden at the same time. They’re a symbol of strength and perseverance.” Vivian helps Molly transform the meaning of the tattoo. Vivian achieved this by showing a genuine interest into Molly’s past and well being. For example, Vivian was interested in what happened to Molly’s parents as well as her Indian heritage. This helps Molly see she is not alone in her struggle for acceptance and identity, which helps Molly to break down her protective
Molly identifies with Vivian’s childhood traumas and the resulting sense of isolation and abandonment that Vivian suffered. This unexpected shared suffering gives Molly the courage to examine her own traumas. Molly is the first person that Vivian confides-in about her childhood. By taking Molly into her confidence, Vivian implicitly communicates to Molly that she trusts her and cares about her. As Vivian releases the negative feelings and secrets she had kept pent up for decades, she triggers a release in Molly. When Molly learns about Vivian’s difficult childhood, she realizes that she should not let her unfortunate past define her future. The turtle tattoo Molly got when she turned 16 symbolizes Molly’s transformation from reserved to accepting. Like a turtle’s protective shell, Molly put up a protective shell and shut herself out from the outside world. Molly decision to get a turtle tattoo originated from the importance of the turtle in Native American culture. The meaning behind the turtle, once told to her by her father is that, “Turtles carry their homes on their backs. They’re exposed and hidden at the same time. They’re a symbol of strength and perseverance.” Vivian helps Molly transform the meaning of the tattoo. Vivian achieved this by showing a genuine interest into Molly’s past and well being. For example, Vivian was interested in what happened to Molly’s parents as well as her Indian heritage. This helps Molly see she is not alone in her struggle for acceptance and identity, which helps Molly to break down her protective