The novel Alias Grace, written by Margaret Atwood, is a book loosely based on the life of famed murderess Grace Marks. Throughout the novel, Atwood uses stunning imagery and brilliant symbols, assisting the reader in understanding the insanely complex and baffling story of main character, Grace. Though, what stands out tremendously in the novel, are the diverse and captivating characters. Although the majority of the characters are fictional, they all embody such realistic human qualities, that one cannot differentiate the fictional characters from the non-fictional characters. A prime example of this is the sharp-tongued, quick-witted Mary Whitney. Mary is an honest, protective, older sister like figure to Grace, as well as a positive role model in the book.

To commence, Mary Whitney is an honest woman, always speaking her mind. This is a fabulous trait to possess, for opinionated women in the 1800's are almost impossible to come across. Her blunt manner of speech, sometimes taken as crude, is always truthful. When Grace's father came by, Grace explains, "He called her harsh names. She called him worse" (181). Her opinion, no matter how harsh it appears, is always given out of honesty. Grace even states, "Mary was a very outspoken young woman, and did not mince words; and she had very democratic ideas, which it took me some getting used to" (183). Not only does Mary have strong opinions and ideas, she is honest. Truly, Mary has amazing qualities, ones that are idealistic for a role model.

As well, when Grace first arrives at the Kinnear manor, Mary Whitney helps show her the ropes. Mary, "Took me under her wing, from the very first" (174), acting like the older sister Grace never had. They would laugh and frolic through the laundry, always having a joyous time when they were around each other. Grace and Mary Whitney would laugh and joke amongst themselves, while shucking orange peels behind their shoulders to see whom they would marry, in a very warm and carefree manner. Grace reveals that, "[Mary Whitney] was always kind to me" (115). Even when Grace was a new arrival, Mary Whitney helped bathe her, taking her shopping for her first dress. Mary did all of this out of the overwhelming kindness of her heart, never one to judge. She had no idea of what lied in Grace's dark and miserable past, yet she still accepted her, treating her like family.

Finally, Mary Whitney is a protector to Grace. Every time Grace mentions Mary, she states a useful piece of advice that the elder teenager bestows upon her. Mary, in particular, was always fretting about men taking advantage of the young and beautiful Grace. She would forever mention the dark and seedy 'mysteries' of the male, making sure Grace was properly educated in the matter. Also, when Grace's drunken father came back, demanding Grace give him a section of her wages, Mary was the one that chased him off the property. When Grace recounts the events, she states, "Mary set the stable hands onto him… Mary told him he wasn't to come anymore" (181). These actions show her parental concern and devotion toward her good friend Grace.

It is true that Alias Grace is an intricate book, filled with intriguing characters and shocking secrets. Yet, when choosing a role model in the story, one must stop and think. In a novel filled with liars, murderers, rapists and thieves, would you look up to someone who is opinionated, protective and honest, or someone that cheats rapes and lies?

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