Stella’s intelligence and eagerness to please win Baker over. What did you think of their relationship? Do you think it was helpful to Stella, or do you wish her outcome were different?
In one sense, I do think the relationship with Baker was helpful because ultimately Stella was physically safe. However, I thought that Baker abused her authority and was unethical. Stella went from a sexually abusive environment to a physically and emotionally abusive environment.
Honestly, I think it was a little far fetched. And the way they just walked off into the sunset together seemed only like a convenient way to wrap things up
I thought the relationship was strange. At first, I was glad for Stella to have some support from Baker. But then it seemed that Baker was only using her. I agree that Baker abused her authority and was unethical. I felt Stella suffered from this and I did not like the ending of them going off together.
I just felt so bad for Stella as she was just a victim of circumstance. She had no real parents or any adults to look up to or mentor her, so as soon as Baker expresses a bit of interest, she latches on to that with complete blinders on. Having some type of parental support in the form of Baker was helpful at first, but I hope she soon realizes the true nature of Baker, otherwise she’ll end up just like her as they both leave at the end to run the new facility.
Michelle_S, I agree. Stella never seemed to have a chance. She was taken advantage of in both situations. I am not sure I bought the relationship with Baker.
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I think that Stella needed someone to cling to. Baker showed her more positive attention than her mother did. It’s sad that Stella didn’t find Ruth as a role model earlier.
Agree! Stella suffered at Baker’s “whims” and was ultimately chosen as a protege to carry on the unethical practice of the American Plan.
Stella seemed so relieved to be at the colony since she was able to escape her abuse at home. Baker used Stella’s naivete and her need to be loved to force her into snitching on the other residents of the colony. Stella probably didn’t feel she had a choice but to do Baker’s bidding.
It was not helpful to Stella. She needs professional help. Baker liked feeling like a mom you her.
I actually found myself hoping that Mrs. Baker would take Stella to live with her. I was very sad and disappointed that she wanted to groom her to become someone who would work in a similar colony or reformatory. Stella‘s life was better overall because she did not have to give birth to her father’s child. It was unfortunate that they also gave her a hysterectomy so she could no longer have children.