The Jolivet sisters shared a deep and abiding bond, but Rita was always the leader. Was it fair of her to drag her little sister along with her to London, just to get her own way?
As Rita pointed out, neither of them had much choice. Inez was going to be forced to leave sooner or later and this push led her to George.
Inez was able to take lessons and she became a wonderful violinist. So both were in London for growth in the direction they wanted their lives to go. Both sisters very creative. So going to London was good for both sisters.
Rita was the leader but more importantly saw the talent Inez had in playing the violin and Rita felt London would be place where she take lessons and both could achieve life they wanted.
As much as Inez did not want to go to London, it turned out to be good for her music career and for her life. She met her husband, George, and was introduced to people who supported her love of music. It was probably best for Inez to go when Rita did rather than go a few years later alone. The sisters had a wonderful bond.
I think Rita was selfish. Especially has much as Inez did not want to leave. I was surprised the family let them go
I think Rita forced Inez’s hand. Rita was certainly out for herself, but Inez would never have ventured out on her own without Rita’s influence. Even so, the bond between them was strong. Rita did not abandon Inez and recognized her immense talent.
This is one of those instances where being asked a question after the results are known may likely present a different answer. Rita was determined and driven, and she knew the only way she could go was to get her sister to go too. I suspect Rita was most concerned about her own needs and felt sure she could take care of Inez and keep her content as she seemed always able to do. Rita also knew Inez was talented and that she would have access to opportunities she may not have at Winter Queen. She also knew Inez needed to be supported and pushed out if she were to reach the heights her talent demanded. I suspect Rita justified her need for Inez, with the fact that she would support Inez and help her conquer her shyness and fear in pursuit of the ultimate best for Inez as well as for herself.
I loved the interaction between the sisters. They both knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. If Rita hadn’t convinced Inez to go London, she probably wouldn’t have made it out of her childhood home. Some of us are like that…we need a leader to show us our potential! And I think Inez felt safe with her sister, so it was a win-win situation.
Gerrie_B, I think that is well stated. Ruth would have justified her actions as being for the best for Inez.
Due to their closeness, it really seemed inevitable that they would travel this venture together. I was surprised that their parents allowed it however.
I feel like it wasn’t just to get her own way. I feel like in Rita’s mind she was trying to help her sister come out of her shell and to grow. Rita would always look out for her and protect her
@Gerrie_B I can’t sum it up better or more succinctly. Like you, I think Rita’s motives were mixed (as they usually are) and brought about an excellent result for Inez re: opportunities to study, developing her talent, and, of course, meeting George, the love of her life.
Rita truly loved her sister and made most decisions in her best interest. She wanted her to experience real life.