In Need of A LOT of Rest and Relaxation

Elizabeth Strout’s 2008 novel, Olive Kitteridge, focuses on a stressed, depressed woman in need of relaxation, so I would give her a day at the spa and a cat for her birthday. Olive needs a day at the spa more than anyone I know. Her father’s suicide, husband’s stroke and death, son’s divorce and separation from, and her own issues with adultery, depression, and loneliness create an extremely tense life and a trip to the spa could begin to help her relax. As a very self-conscious woman, she also constantly worries about her appearance. Olive struggles to stay involved in activities and interact with others so a spa day would keep her busy and combat her loneliness. Towards the end of the novel, she begins dating for the first time since her husband’s death, but she struggles to embrace her new relationship. While out on a date, she fears she looks “like a whale” (261). Through Strout’s use of a simile comparing Olive to a massive animal, she indirectly characterizes Olive as insecure in order to juxtapose Olive’s sensitive feelings with her indifferent attitude and highlight how important Olive really views her appearance. Throughout the entire book, Olive’s doubts about her body plague her and lead her to feel even more isolated from others, so a day at the spa would help her self-esteem and overall well being. However, I recognize the need for a long-term solution to her problems so I would give Olive a pet cat because she often feels lonely and unneeded in life. After her husband dies she finds herself  “drowning in the emptiness” (257). Olive owns a dog but I think she views her dog as more of a burden than a comfort. Additionally, unlike a dog or many people in Olive’s life, a cat would require very little from her and accept Olive’s constantly changing emotions. When Olive feels anti-social, which she often does, she would not need to worry about entertaining the cat, as cats often act aloof. However, Olive’s loneliness consumes her at times, such as once when for a “few days she stayed in bed” (267) due to her depression. I appreciate my cats most when I lie in bed, sick, and my cats quietly curl up next to me and sleep. A cat would provide Olive with love and comfort but need little in return, the perfect gift for a lonely woman who struggles to connect with others.