After Natalie claims to be Marin, Gwen feels partially responsible and thinks, “I had created Natalie all by myself.” What do you think she means? Do you agree with her? What responsibility do you think she bears for Natalie’s behavior?
I think that when Natalie was paired up with Marin as a roommate Marin saw an opportunity to have a mentee/friend. She saw how vulnerable and needy Natalie was and tried to help her the only way she knew how (as taught by her father). Two lost souls found each other and did the best they could under the circumstances. Natalie was so happy to have a friend that she was willing to do whatever Marin suggested so that she would earn her acceptance. Marin did “create” Natalie in many ways since Natalie was lacking confidence and looking for guidance.
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I think Gwen realizes that the emotional environment she provided or didn’t provide, shaped Natalie’s insecurities, and identity. Yes, in some ways I do agree. Gwen helped create the conditions that influenced Natalie, but she didn’t create Natalie’s choices. So, I guess the responsibility is shared, and not solely Gwen’s. Natalie is complex and has her own personality and dysfunctional family issues. Gwen could possibly be responsible for not recognizing early signs of Natalie’s struggles, but Natalie is also responsible for her own decisions
I think it was impossible for it not to happen. They were paired together for years by the authors. Both woman are dysfunctional human beings. Unfortunately birds of a feather, flock together. Gwen seemed to me to be the stronger personality therefore she prevailed with the creation of Natalie’s adult behavior traits.
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She took an interest in Natalie immediately. In their early time together, she shaped her, influenced her and wanted a better outcome for her.
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I think she felt that way because she did manipulate/control her as children and it led to Natalie’s behavior later. She was wanting and trying to be with Gwen again.
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I think in a way she did “create Natalie”, she was obviously a huge influence over Natalie growing up. I think Natalie would have done anything Gwen/Marin asked of her.
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I think she feels like she created Natalie in the same way her father created her. And yes, it does make sense as Natalie was stalking her and calling herself Marin, even though they were only paired together for a few months (I think) of their lives and Natalie could have identified with someone else from her life, but she picked Marin/Gwen.
I think she “created” Natalie in that during their time together she gave Natalie many bits of “wisdom”, just as her father did for her. And she helped Natalie in many ways to hide, suppress, or alter some of her worst behaviors. She also gave her ideas (e.g. the poison).
But Gwen may be giving herself too much credit. I think Natalie didn’t really change her essence under her “tutelage”, but just learned to outwardly behave differently.