Summary Of Beauty By Jane Martin

Beauty by Jane Martin, tells modern society through jealousy and discontent of two best friends, Carla and Bethany. Carla is a beautiful, young but unsuccessful model that has no brains and not much of a personality. Bethany is an intelligent accountant that earns good money and has plenty of success in writing short stories, but she is unsatisfied with her appearance. Both girls want what the other has. When Bethany finds a lamp on the beach, she soon realizes that this lamp carries a genie inside. Bethany hurries to Carla's to tell her all about the magical lamp she found. Carla doesn't believe what Bethany is telling

her; she claims magic genies only happen in Disney movies, until Bethany finally, admits and wishes that she could be "as beautiful" as Carla. In Bethany's case, regardless of having created short stories and having a very successful career, she is unhappy with herself, she is jealous, and is self-absorbed.
Bethany also says, "Parents treat beautiful children better" (Martin 881) her making this statement could answer why she is unhappy with herself, she blames her parents for her being the way she is: not self-loving, and prideful in herself. She believes that her parents didn't give her enough attention and didn’t treat her well enough.

"You are the center of any moment of your life. People stare. Men Flock. I've seen you get offered discounts on makeup for no reason." (Martin 881). Bethany clearly admits that she is jealous of Carla because the amount of attention she receives from men on the street to receiving free things because of her