The Complex Relationship in "The White Umbrella"

The Narrator's Envy Towards Eugenie Roberts

In the short story "The White Umbrella" by Gish Jen, the narrator describes the relationship between herself and her younger sister Eugenie Roberts, who she refers to as "Jeanne". Throughout the story, the narrator portrays feelings of envy towards Eugenie.

The narrator is envious of Eugenie. Despite being the older sister, the narrator feels overshadowed by Eugenie's beauty and charisma. Eugenie's ability to effortlessly charm others, including their mother, creates a sense of bitterness in the narrator. She longs for the attention and affection that Eugenie effortlessly receives.

Furthermore, Eugenie's relationship with their mother also contributes to the narrator's feelings of envy. Their mother often shows preference towards Eugenie, praising her good looks and talents, while overlooking the narrator's existence. This perceived favoritism intensifies the narrator's jealousy towards her sister.

Overall, the relationship between the narrator and Eugenie Roberts in "The White Umbrella" is complex, with underlying feelings of envy and resentment on the part of the narrator.

In the white umbrella, what is the best description of the relationship between the narrator and Eugenie Roberts?

Explanation: The narrator is envious of Eugenie.