Fourth Response

"The Girls"
by Lori Lansens


The theme in this novel is accented by the characters, actions and imagery. Rose and Ruby, the two main characters teach us the theme. Through their actions the imagery is created and the theme is developed through the stories told. One of the main reasons why I really enjoyed reading this novel is because of the theme.

Right from day one the theme that was expressed is co-operation and commitment. These girls have grown, learnt, and experienced everything together as separate people but are unified as one. Even though they learn at different paces and have different levels of knowledge they still learn things together. They go through all the same experiences both good and bad.

In the end these girls have a connection like no one else. They are able to sense each others thoughts, and finish each others sentences. Seeing a connection like that within the world we live in today is mesmerising. In today's society people look at someone who is different from them in a negative way and single them out. These girls show us that it is possible to have different interests and thoughts but still be able to live peacefully together. Rose and Ruby's lives depend on one another, meaning when one of them feels hurt or ill so does the other. Consequently, they have to help each other to stay out of harm. People should look at others this way and think that when someone is hurt or struggling, you will also feel their pain too and have empathy for them instead of worrying just about your busy life.

One of the last paragraphs Rose writes in her autobiography before her death is, "I have never looked into my sisters eyes, but I've seen inside her soul. I have never worn a hat, but i have been kissed like that. I have never raised both arms at once, but the moon beguiled me still. Sleep is for suckers. I like the bus just fine. And though I've never climed a tree, I've scaled a mountain, and thats a hell of a thing. One more change I might make is to say that I wouldn't live a thousand lives, but a million to infinity to live the life I've lived as me. I am Rose Darlen of Baldoon County. Beloved sister of Ruby. The world's oldest surviving craniopagus twin. Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash were right. How lucky Ruby and I have been to be "The Girls."" These girls are happy the way they are. When they were born the odds were against them to live, but with strength they over came that. They feel their lives have been fullfilled because they have loved and been loved. Maybe they did not get to do everything they may have wanted to do but they were happy.

I feel this is a message that needs to be emphasised in todays society. If we do not have everything we want or feel that we need, we are unhappy. Overall we need to give our heads a little shake and look at what is really important.