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Foil
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.
Helen wants to become an actress, moving out to Los Angeles and getting involved with many rich men who exploit her. This is a contrast to Lily, who works hard to keep her teaching job and make a difference in the world. When Helen comes to live with Lily after she gets pregnant, Helen is still focusing on her acting career, oblivious to the world around her:
“Helen, it’s time to get realistic,” I said.
“I am being realistic,” she said. “A girl without a figure is never going to make it.”
This exchange is the perfect example of the difference between the two sisters. Helen is flighty and impractical, and her nature only serves to show how no-nonsense and strict Lily is in her own life.
Later, this foil is reinforced when Rosemary is born, as she reminds Lily of Helen with her beauty and Lily vows never to tell her she is beautiful, so that Rosemary doesn't go down the same path of self-involvement as Helen. However, Rosemary still ends up flighty despite Lily's best intentions, echoing her late aunt.
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