Representations of Motherhood
Lindsey Pinkston
Novels - Orphan Train
Orphan Train portrays a few different motherly roles throughout the book. Each motherly role had a different impact on Molly and Vivian’s lives. The first motherly role is that of the birth mother. This is the most vacant of the motherly role’s that are played in both Molly and Vivian’s lives. Molly is not an orphan due to a death of her parents, she is an orphan from her birth mother allowing her role to become vacant and Vivian lost her mother to a fire not too long after moving to America. The second motherly portrayal is that of Molly and Vivian’s foster mom experiences. Both Molly and Vivian experienced horrendous foster mothers, but ultimately found a place that accepted them for who they were.The third motherly role is that of Vivian. Vivian and Molly connected in such a vulnerable and sweet way that ultimately changed both of their lives. Vivian walks through life with Molly and eventually takes her in when Dina kicks her out.
Films
Television
News
Advertising
Magazines
The Feminine Mystique
Disney Films
Children and Teens
The mother role in teen books and movies I find to be a bit more exciting. They tend to play a larger role and have more of an impact on their kids. I really like that each motherly role is different. It reflects the motherhood well by showing that every mother parents in their own way.
Surveys
Music - Turn to You by Justin Bieber
The Letter
First, I want to say thank you for everything you've done for me. I've participated in a "Representations of Motherhood" class this semester and have learned so much about you.
Through the novel I read I've learned how there are so many children out there being tossed from foster mom to foster mom. I'm thankful to have only ever called you mom and for the way you've loved me unconditionally as your daughter.
After studying films, TV shows and Disney films, I've learned that you are a mother with many strengths and is capable of accomplishing many great things. Often times television leads us to believe that mothers can only be one type of mom, but there are numerous moms to portray different types of mothers. You live the role of a mother who holds a multitude of motherly characteristics and I'm so grateful for that.
As I've researched the news about mothers I've seen how much you really do love me and love being a mom. You have never, nor would ever, abuse that role. I've learned so much from you because of that.
Advertisements of moms can be silly and incorrect. No, you don't happily clean up my messes, especially when you've asked me to do it, but you do extend a lot of grace to me in mistakes. I definitely think that makes up for it.
Through magazines I've realized that you are a combination of motherhood from the 1960s until even now. That shows your diversity and ability to be a mother of many gifts. It also highlights your love of being a mother and a wife, but those roles do not hinder you from impacting the community.
The Feminine Mystique has developed a thankfulness in my heart for you being mother at the day in age, rather than 1963. I can't imagine you having to be told what to do and have to suffer through depression and loneliness. That being said, I am truly thankful that you find joy in being a mother. Even if that means cleaning up messes, cooking countless meals and serving dad solely because it's your heart to do so.
Children's and teen books have showed me that you are not only super mom, but you're also a mom that loves to meet your kids needs, especially through reading to us. You were committed to do it all. From cheering us on at games and standing up for us when we couldn't do it for ourselves to sweetly speaking truth over us through scriptures and precious stories through books.
The music I researched to have a better understanding of motherhood has softened my heart and created a deeper appreciation for all that you've done for me. You have made so many sacrifices for me. I will never be able to put into words what that means to be. Thank you for going above and beyond.
The surveys you took and the way you always made sure I had enough responses has showed me that you will never stop caring about what I'm doing. As a 22 year old college student, you could easily have told me to figure it out on my own. You love to be a part of everything in my life, even my surveys for class. Thank you for that.
I'm sorry for all the times I've taken you for granted. You have loved me so well and I am who I am because of the woman you are. Thank you for being a woman of courage, faith and constant hope. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Your favorite daughter,
Lindsey