The Struggle to Name Care

Foster

Conflicts between shame, ordinary needs, and attentive help shape the girl’s understanding of what she deserves.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Fear of the Wet Bed Fear of the Wet Bed from "Foster". Fear of the Wet Bed Anticipated punishment The girl wants to confess immediately after Edna discovers the wet mattress.

Fear of the Wet Bed from "Foster". Fear of the Wet Bed Anticipated punishment The girl wants to confess immediately after Edna discovers the wet mattress.

Fear of the Wet Bed Anticipated punishment The girl wants to confess immediately after Edna discovers the wet mattress. She expects the old feeling of shame to end only if she is sent home. A different explanation Edna blames the old mattress and treats it as a household problem. The girl’s fear meets a response that does not accuse her.

The Lesson in Washing The Lesson in Washing from "Foster". The Lesson in Washing Criticism overheard John asks whether Dan ever taught the girl to wash her hands and face.

The Lesson in Washing from "Foster". The Lesson in Washing Criticism overheard John asks whether Dan ever taught the girl to wash her hands and face.

The Lesson in Washing Criticism overheard John asks whether Dan ever taught the girl to wash her hands and face. The girl freezes, expecting something worse to happen. Protection mixed with hurt John’s concern for her appearance comes out as an attack on her father. The conflict reveals how care can defend a child while also making her feel exposed.

The New Clothes The New Clothes from "Foster". The New Clothes Practical repair Edna takes the girl to Gorey and buys dresses, trousers, shoes, and socks.

The New Clothes from "Foster". The New Clothes Practical repair Edna takes the girl to Gorey and buys dresses, trousers, shoes, and socks.

The New Clothes Practical repair Edna takes the girl to Gorey and buys dresses, trousers, shoes, and socks. The assistant says the girl resembles her mother, and Edna answers proudly that they are all tall. Dignity restored Clothing repairs the neglect John has identified. The girl receives belongings of her own rather than having to inhabit another child’s past.

Fear During Recovery Fear During Recovery from "Foster". Fear During Recovery Anxiety in the house Edna says she cannot stop thinking about what could have happened, while John insists the girl is grand.

Fear During Recovery from "Foster". Fear During Recovery Anxiety in the house Edna says she cannot stop thinking about what could have happened, while John insists the girl is grand.

Fear During Recovery Anxiety in the house Edna says she cannot stop thinking about what could have happened, while John insists the girl is grand. Their disagreement circles the danger without resolving its meaning. The child between them The girl listens from bed as the adults manage their fear. Their care is real, but she cannot make the event safe by explaining it.

Refusing an Explanation Refusing an Explanation from "Foster". Refusing an Explanation A question left open Mary asks what happened, and the girl answers that nothing happened.

Refusing an Explanation from "Foster". Refusing an Explanation A question left open Mary asks what happened, and the girl answers that nothing happened.

Refusing an Explanation A question left open Mary asks what happened, and the girl answers that nothing happened. She chooses not to turn her summer into a report for adults. A newly held boundary Her silence contrasts with the earlier fear that every mistake must be confessed. She can now keep something private without treating herself as guilty.

the first morning after arrival

the Saturday before the wake

the Saturday shopping trip

the first morning after the fall

after the return home