The Big Country: Differences Between Julie Merrigan and Patricia Terrell

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Moopeegirl English II 19 October 2012 The Big Country Julie Merrigan and Patricia Terrell differ in many ways between maturity and immaturity. Julie is a strong-minded, mature schoolteacher and Patricia is a spoiled, at-home daddy’s girl. Watching “Big Country,” one can clearly distinguish between the thoughtful character and the selfish character. Julie Merrigan is an unmarried schoolteacher and has a mature, calm lifestyle. She places most of her concern in the ‘Big Muddy’, trying to avoid any fighting between the Terrells and Hennesseys. Unlike Pat, Julie has relied on herself to make her life successful. Her speech, the way she carries herself, how she addresses other characters proves her concern for each person. Julie is also a very stern woman. She knows exactly how to be classy and urbane, while still having an incredibly great sense of humor. Patricia Terrell, a young, engaged, dependent girl is impatient and supercilious. She is truly her father’s shadow, being as she world rather listen to her father than even consider her fiancé’s opinion. Pat believes in being a show-off. She relies on physical contact to prove one as an impressive, strong person. However, her beliefs and that of her fiancé collide harshly causing their relationship to end. Her immaturity drives her soon-to-be-husband, Jim, completely away from her. Patricia’s reaction to Jim’s verbal solvents causes her to trust that Jim is a weak and vulnerable person. In all, this shows Pat’s weakness and vulnerability. Her selfishness and child-like behavior restrict her from understanding the quintessence of adult-hood and the growing up process. Julie and Patricia handle Jim in different ways. For example, Julie is inquisitive toward Jim’s absence, whereas Pat is indifferent where Jim has gone. Julie always embraces the presence of just being with Jim. She does not harp on

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