Elizabeth Harlan
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300104172
- eISBN:
- 9780300130560
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300104172.003.0006
- Subject:
- Literature, European Literature
This chapter focuses on the period after the death of Maurice and the baby. Deep in shock and depression, Sophie developed severe headaches and, departing from her usual active, industrious behavior, ...
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This chapter focuses on the period after the death of Maurice and the baby. Deep in shock and depression, Sophie developed severe headaches and, departing from her usual active, industrious behavior, took to spending whole days in bed, a pattern that persisted for years. Identifying with her mother's grief, Aurore also developed headaches, which eventually turned into migraines that would debilitate her for the rest of her life during times of severe stress. Profoundly affected by the emotional upheaval she was witnessing, Aurore became dreamy and would sit staring for long spells without talking. She became willful and acted like a spoiled child, throwing tantrums when she was denied what she wanted. All the while, Sophie's behavior grew increasingly inconsistent. She would scold and hit Aurore with little provocation and then dissolve in tears and remorse for overreacting.Less
This chapter focuses on the period after the death of Maurice and the baby. Deep in shock and depression, Sophie developed severe headaches and, departing from her usual active, industrious behavior, took to spending whole days in bed, a pattern that persisted for years. Identifying with her mother's grief, Aurore also developed headaches, which eventually turned into migraines that would debilitate her for the rest of her life during times of severe stress. Profoundly affected by the emotional upheaval she was witnessing, Aurore became dreamy and would sit staring for long spells without talking. She became willful and acted like a spoiled child, throwing tantrums when she was denied what she wanted. All the while, Sophie's behavior grew increasingly inconsistent. She would scold and hit Aurore with little provocation and then dissolve in tears and remorse for overreacting.
