Steel Magnolias

This paper is an examination of examples of interpersonal communications, using the relationship between mother and daughter, M'lynn and Shelby, in Herbert Ross's film of Robert Harling's play, Steel Magnolias. This film provides several excellent examples of the ways in which human beings interact, verbally and nonverbally, and the ways in which these interactions change the nature of complex, long-standing relationships. Although this is a fictional portrayal, the film remains effective because it portrays accurately many of the subtleties involved in the communication process.

M'lynn Eatenton (Sally Field) is a well-to-do Southern woman and the married mother of three. She is somewhat repressed, very dignified, and concerned with appearances. Her oldest child, and only daughter, Shelby (Julia Roberts) is a strong contrast to M?lynn; she is emotional, a little reckless, and focused on all those around her getting along and having a good time. Their relationship goes through a number of significant steps, three of which will be examined in detail in this paper.

On the morning of Shelby's wedding, M'lynn and Shelby go to Truvy's beauty parlor to have their hair done for the wedding. While there, Shelby has a diabetic attack. M'lynn deals with this crisis calmly, forcing her to drink juice, despite her protests. Shelby tries to take control of the situation, saying, "If you don't leave me alone, I'm gonna leave," to which M'lynn responds simply, "Oh, I'd love to see

Related Essays

Steel Producers in 2001 In 2001, all but two of the United States biggest steel producers posted fourth-quarter losses, and Nucor Corporation was one of those two (Barnes and Tyler .... (578 2 )

Bethlehem Steel Bethlehem steel is the nation's second largest integrated steel produce; its primary business is the manufacture and sale of a wide variety of steel mill .... (1724 7 )

US Steel and Cotton Industries .... This paper will analyze the steel and cotton industries in the United States and demonstrate why protectionist measures are not only needed but have been .... (2262 9 )

Tariffs on Imported Steel The proposed imposition of tariffs and/or other trade restrictions on imported steel in order to protect the US domestic steel industry evokes a long-standing .... (1522 6 )

THE STEEL INDUSTRY: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS THE STEEL INDUSTRY: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS This research presents the results of an economic analysis of the steel industry in the United States. .... (2778 11 )

continue to play a subordinate role. She follows her mother into the pantry and helps her reach the sugar on the top shelf, keeping the conversation and the relationship going. Yet in some ways Shelby is still the little girl, trying to keep everybody happy. She promises that, with this pregnancy, she will be very careful: "Nobody's going to be hurt or disappointed or even inconvenienced," a promise her mother finds horrifying. Shelby thinks she knows why, as she finally loses her temper and says, "You're jealous because you no longer have a say-so in what I do, and that drives you up the wall. You're ready to spit nails because you no longer call the shots." M'lynn vehemently denies this charge, but it seems to be partially true. She has tried to remain in charge in her role as Shelby's mother, but she finds that her daughter is doing what she wants to do, despite her disapproval and her fear. At the end of the scene, Shelby follows M'lynn into the bedroom. She reminds her mother that, throughout her childhood, all M'lynn said she ever wished for her children was for them to be happy. M'lynn now says, "I don't know what I wish." She holds her hand out to Shelby but then pulls it away, walking out of the room. The two

Category: Film - S