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Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Helen and Lily:
Throughout the first half of the novel, Lily's sister Helen acts as a foil to Lily. She follows after their mother, preferring to do housework instead of helping on the ranch, and acts more interested in her own appearance than in working. Helen's self-involvement serves as a contrast to Lily's commitment to the ranch.
After Lily returns from Arizona, Helen's behavior is described as self-centered, and she prefers the indoors, the opposite of Lily:
Mom’s biggest concern was Helen. She had reached marrying age, but pretty as she was, that girl just lacked get-up-and-go [...] Helen was happy to sew and bake pies, but she hated any kind of work that made her break into a sweat or gave her hands calluses, and most of the Rio Hondo ranchers looking for wives wanted a woman who could not only cook and clean house but also help out with branding calves and drive the chuck wagon during roundup.
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Helen and Lily:
Throughout the first half of the novel, Lily's sister Helen acts as a foil to Lily. She follows after their mother, preferring to do housework instead of helping on the ranch, and acts more interested in her own appearance than in working. Helen's self-involvement serves as a contrast to Lily's commitment to the ranch.
After Lily returns from Arizona, Helen's behavior is described as self-centered, and she prefers the indoors, the opposite of Lily:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mom’s biggest concern was Helen. She had reached marrying age, but pretty as she was, that girl just lacked get-up-and-go [...] Helen was happy to sew and bake pies, but she hated any kind of work that made her break into a sweat or gave her hands calluses, and most of the Rio Hondo ranchers looking for wives wanted a woman who could not only cook and clean house but also help out with branding calves and drive the chuck wagon during roundup.
Related Themes:
