Squabbling Sisters

Question

Rebecca Sparling

1Amelia stomped up the stairs, ensuring that everyone below would hear her heavy footfalls and realize just how aggravated she was with her older sister.

2She couldn’t believe that Annette was being so cruel. Annette and her friends were seeing the latest installment in the Michael Sanders action series at the local theater without Amelia. Annette had invited Amelia earlier in the day, but she’d declined the offer. It was only after hours of boredom that Amelia had asked to join the group. Annette, however, said that it would be inconvenient to accommodate Amelia now after they had already purchased tickets. Unfortunately, their parents agreed with Annette.

3Amelia lay on her bed, feeling quite sorry for herself. In an attempt to raise her spirits, she started flipping through her favorite novel, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. The book tells the story of four sisters (Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March) growing up during the Civil War. Amelia couldn’t imagine having three sisters; she was having a hard enough time dealing with one!

4She had just found the part where older sisters Jo and Meg are going to see a play with their friend Laurie and won’t let younger sister Amy tag along.

5"You can't sit with us, for our seats are reserved, and you mustn't sit alone, so Laurie will give you his place, and that will spoil our pleasure. Or he'll get another seat for you, and that isn't proper when you weren't asked. You shan't stir a step, so you may just stay where you are," scolded Jo, crosser than ever, having just pricked her finger in her hurry.

6Sitting on the floor with one boot on, Amy began to cry and Meg to reason with her, when Laurie called from below, and the two girls hurried down, leaving their sister wailing. For now and then she forgot her grown-up ways and acted like a spoiled child. Just as the party was setting out, Amy called over the banisters in a threatening tone, "You'll be sorry for this, Jo March, see if you ain't."

7Amelia could certainly relate to Amy’s feelings in this part. She often felt left out when Annette and her friends went out without her. To be fair, Annette had invited her to the movie earlier in the day. Now, Amelia wondered if she was being as dramatic as Amy was in the story.

8Later in the novel, Amy gets revenge by destroying one of Jo’s stories. This seemed a little drastic to Amelia, who could never imagine damaging one of her sister’s beautiful paintings or sculptures over a silly fight. There had always been some sibling rivalry between Annette and Amelia, but they usually worked things out in the end. Amelia truly admired her sister, and she really didn’t want to fight.

9After realizing how childishly she had acted, Amelia apologized to Annette later that evening. Luckily, her older sister just smiled and said, “Don’t worry about it, kiddo.”
Question
Write a well-organized essay explanation of what causes Amelia to change her bad attitude toward her sister Annette and not being allowed to go the movies with her. Don't be too simplistic in your explanation. Use details from the text to explain very clearly how Amelia's attitude changed so drastically. You may want to begin your essay by identifying why Amelia has such a bad attitude when the story opens.

Answer 1

In Rebecca Sparling's "Squabbling Sisters," Amelia's attitude toward her sister Annette undergoes a notable transformation, largely driven by reflective self-awareness and the influence of literature. At the outset of the story, Amelia is engulfed in feelings of frustration and jealousy stemming from Annette's decision to exclude her from a movie outing. This initial emotional state can be attributed to Amelia's belief that Annette's actions are cruel, particularly since the invitation was extended earlier in the day. When Amelia declines the invitation due to boredom and later seeks to join the group, Annette's refusal, backed by their parents, intensifies Amelia's feelings of isolation and unfairness.

Amelia's negative attitude is evident in the way she stomps up the stairs, her heavy footfalls echoing her frustration not just to her family but to herself. The sense of exclusion resonates deeply with her, and she grapples with thoughts of being left behind, akin to the younger sister, Amy, in Louisa May Alcott’s "Little Women." Amelia's discontent drives her to retreat into her favorite novel, hoping that the story of the March sisters will lift her spirits and provide solace.

In immersing herself in "Little Women," Amelia encounters scenes that mirror her situation, particularly the moment when Jo refuses to let Amy join the outing, mirroring Annette's earlier decision. The character of Amy, who reacts emotionally and ultimately plots revenge by destroying Jo's writing, reflects a drastic response that Amelia herself does not endorse. This moment serves as a catalyst for Amelia, prompting her to introspectively consider whether she, too, is overreacting like Amy. As she recognizes the childish impulsiveness in Amy’s behavior, she begins to reevaluate her response to Annette’s actions.

As the narrative progresses, Amelia's self-reflection allows her to empathize with Annette. Despite the initial hurt and perceived cruelty, she acknowledges her sister’s position and the natural dynamics of sibling relationships. This realization is illuminated in her acknowledgment of the sibling rivalry between herself and Annette, which, while present, has generally been resolved in a spirit of mutual admiration and understanding.

The transformation culminates in Amelia's decision to apologize to Annette. This act of contrition is significant; Amelia has moved beyond mere feelings of rejection and jealousy to a broader understanding of their relationship. When she approaches Annette to express her remorse, her sister’s warm response—"Don't worry about it, kiddo"—reinforces Amelia's newfound perspective, closing the chapter on her earlier animosity.

In conclusion, Amelia’s change in attitude is fueled by her self-reflection catalyzed by the themes she encounters in "Little Women." Through this lens, she finds clarity and understanding regarding her feelings and her sister’s actions. Ultimately, it is Amelia's growth and maturity that allow her to recognize the irrationality of her earlier attitude, leading to a reconciliation that strengthens their sibling bond. This narrative journey illustrates the power of literature as a catalyst for personal growth and the resilience found within family relationships.