"My Hollywood" by Mona Simpson
Robin Richards
The Basics
Claire
William
Lola
Claire: Career & Motherhood Balance
Lola: Biological Mother Substitute
Mona Simpson’s illustration of modern nannies shows how they take on the role of primary caregiver to the young children they look after. Even when Claire is in the same room as William and Lola, Lola plays with, feeds, and comforts the young boy. Because she never leaves William’s side and willingly substitutes for Claire while she’s working towards her dream as a successful composer, William becomes more attached to Lola than his own mother. Although Lola works in order to send money back to the Philippines for her children’s education, as time goes on, it seems as if she cares more for her employer’s children than her own. The way that Simpson portrays Lola and other nannies almost mocks them but also shows that nannies are the quick fix to pursuing the American Dream and motherhood simultaneously.
About the Author
Email: mesimpso@bard.edu
Website: monasimpson.com
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 845-758-7806
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monasimpsonauthor/timeline
Twitter: @_monasimpson