White Oleander Identity Analysis
Matthew Vasquez September 26, 2010
Period 9/10 Final Copy
In the novel White Oleander by Janet Fitch, Astrid has been through many life changing
experiences. A new obstacle awaits her throughout the time she spends at each foster home. Her loss of
identity shifts her faith throughout the story. Astrid’s identity evolves during the periods of time and
locations she traveled through.
As time goes by, Astrid changes mentally from living with her mother to her current location.
Living with her mother then moving into different foster homes mold Astrid’s thoughts. Astrid has not
learned to live a normal life; she only has been convinced to live by how her foster parents and “friends”
tell …show more content…
Sat on her, my knees in her, slipping into her neck, the
indentation at the base of her skull like a well…Spit it out, I whispered in her ear”. As time goes by,
Astrid begins to break down mentally, her physical state changes positively and negatively.
Throughout the year Astrid has endured much pain and suffering, although she understands she
still is beautiful. Astrid’s connection to each foster parent is her beauty as when Starr buys her the pink
dress. This pink dress is a symbol of feeling wanted and being comfortable with another Guardian
besides her mother. As time progresses Astrid understands the advantage of being beautiful with the
slow increase of confidence each foster parent gives her. Olivia is the prime example of who taught her
this method, “It’s a man’s world…You’ll figure out what men want how to give it to them.” Astrid
embraces these words to build confidence in her beauty to perhaps “use” men. Astrid’s foster parents
whether positive or negative guide her through her social life, but Astrid’s look are the biggest element
of her social life.
Socially, Astrid has grown over time throughout all her houses she has lived in. From
Period 9/10 Final Copy
In the novel White Oleander by Janet Fitch, Astrid has been through many life changing
experiences. A new obstacle awaits her throughout the time she spends at each foster home. Her loss of
identity shifts her faith throughout the story. Astrid’s identity evolves during the periods of time and
locations she traveled through.
As time goes by, Astrid changes mentally from living with her mother to her current location.
Living with her mother then moving into different foster homes mold Astrid’s thoughts. Astrid has not
learned to live a normal life; she only has been convinced to live by how her foster parents and “friends”
tell …show more content…
Sat on her, my knees in her, slipping into her neck, the
indentation at the base of her skull like a well…Spit it out, I whispered in her ear”. As time goes by,
Astrid begins to break down mentally, her physical state changes positively and negatively.
Throughout the year Astrid has endured much pain and suffering, although she understands she
still is beautiful. Astrid’s connection to each foster parent is her beauty as when Starr buys her the pink
dress. This pink dress is a symbol of feeling wanted and being comfortable with another Guardian
besides her mother. As time progresses Astrid understands the advantage of being beautiful with the
slow increase of confidence each foster parent gives her. Olivia is the prime example of who taught her
this method, “It’s a man’s world…You’ll figure out what men want how to give it to them.” Astrid
embraces these words to build confidence in her beauty to perhaps “use” men. Astrid’s foster parents
whether positive or negative guide her through her social life, but Astrid’s look are the biggest element
of her social life.
Socially, Astrid has grown over time throughout all her houses she has lived in. From