Jealousy

The theme of jealousy is introduced right at the start of the novel and follows Kate and Tully throughout. Jealousy taints their friendship and personal relationships. Understanding the jealousy that exists between Kate and Tully is imperative to understanding the novel as a whole.

In the first place, Mrs. Mularkey causes the girls to feel jealous of each other. Tully is envious of Kate’s mother because she represents everything she wishes her own mother was. The narrator says, “If [Tully] had a real family-- a mom who made casseroles and sent them as gifts to new neighbors-- she wouldn’t feel so alone” (33). The way Tully sees it, Mrs. Mularkey is the antithesis of Cloud in that she is loving and generous where Cloud is cruel and selfish. As for Kate, she is fiercely protective of her mom. When Mrs. Mularkey praises Tully, the narrator...