Character Analysis of Katherine Anne Porters He Essay -- Katherine An

Character Analysis of Katherine Anne Porters He In Katherine Anne Porters short storey He, she presents several themes that she develops primarily through the actions of the of import characters, particulary Mrs. Whipple. Porter portrays a poor, lower class Southern family and the difficulties they encounter. More importantly, she centers the story just somewhat the feelings of shame, pride, and an exaggerated concern for appearances through Mrs. Whippless relationship with her mentally retard son and her behavior toward Him. Other characters, such as her husband Mr. Whipple and their cardinal able-bodied children Adna and Emly serve to expand the storys themes and highlight the extremity of Mrs. Whipples actions. Early in the story we see how vital appearance is to Mrs. Whipple. She remarks to her husband that no wholeness should ever hear them complain (324). Her real effort to maintain a front for her neighbors, however, surrounds her simple-minded son, who never has any(prenominal) identity other than He. It seems that Mrs. Whipple fears that if those around her know He is retarded, this would reflect badly on her character. Many times, unfortunately, parents of children with any birth defect worry they have some blame to throwaway for. Mrs. Whipple, unfortunately, represents a rather extreme case. She seemed to believe that by over-loving her son in public and refusing to acknowledge his handicap, she could avoid social stigma and somehow abide her own insecurities. Mrs. Whipple comments to whoever would listen that He is strong, capable, and He can do anything . . . (325). such exclamations, the author tells us seemed to ease her mind (324). In these quotations we see intelligibly how Mrs. Whipples actions... ...ok sick (332). Furthermore, she takes care to dress in her good clothes, so no one will think she looks like charity. Even as she is about to lose her son, she cannot let go of her need to put on a perfor mance for the society she feels has shunned her. Porters story gives its audience a powerful lesson that extends utmost beyond social standing or mental handicaps. The pathetic font of Him shows us just how far many of us go for spotless illusions. Mrs. Whipple was willing to sacrifice her son and her familys welfare in order to suppress their situation. To a world of airbrushing and political propaganda, Porter shows how dangerous the game of sanctimony can become and how the innocent often bear the brunt of the harm. Work CitedPorter, Katherine Anne. He. The lit of the American South. Ed. William L. Andrews. New York Norton. 1998.