The lamplighter

Although times have changed immensely with technology and other advances since Gerty’s time, I do still think that girls struggle with the same issues as Gerty. Girls still struggle to fit society’s idea of what a girl should be. Girls are supposed to be sweet, pleasant and respectful of authority. Still to this day it is common to put girls in dresses, give them dolls, and if they were to throw a tantrum like Gerty did in the novel there would surely be consequences. Having watched the video I would say there are some similarities and some differences between the present day girl and Gerty. I think both girls needed balance because that made them feel more relaxed and at ease. Both girls have balance in their life; however, they found balance through different types of activities. The girl in the video was able to use yoga as a way of bringing inner peace and calmness to her life. Plus it was something she enjoyed so it made her happy which would affect how she acts during the day. Gerty got balance from Uncle True. He showed her love and kindness so she gave it back by helping with chores, going to school, and spending time with him. By giving and receiving love I think Gerty was able to find a happy balance in her life which she had not been able to experience living with Nan.
One of the questions that Amy Polar asked was “what would you say to someone who says they can’t do something” The little girl responded with “Try your best and try harder”. I believe that answer fits with today’s society. Both girls and boys (with some acceptations) are told to try their best. Even if children don’t always do well, parent’s still show how proud they are. As long as the child is trying and participating that is good enough. I think Gerty would have thought that not being able to do something was unacceptable. Up until moving in with Uncle True if Gerty wasn’t able to do what Aunt Nan told her then she got in trouble, and that was if she was even asked to do anything. I’m not sure Gerty would have known how to answer that question because was rarely asked to do or try anything.
The fact that Gerty was not asked to do anything helps show the difference in societal expectations from then and now. Girls then were brought up to be house wives. Gerty is taught how to cook, clean and make clothes. Mrs. Sullivan even comments at one point in the novel that Gerty is on her way to “being an excellent house wife” If you look at the modern girl today girls can go to school and do what they want in order to express themselves. In the video for instance the girls chooses to do yoga.
Its interesting to see how two girls from very different time periods could be so similar and so different all due to time and circumstance.