Deenie

Chapters 6 through 9 develop Deenie’s character through their depiction of the diagnostic process for scoliosis, and the narrative conveys Deenie’s confusion through her characteristic narration. For example, Mrs. Rappoport, Dr. Moravia, and Dr. Griffith all ask Deenie to bend over and touch her toes during diagnosis, but none of them explain the reason behind this strange test, leaving Deenie puzzled. When she learns that the treatment options for scoliosis are surgery or a brace, Deenie mistakenly believes that she will be able to choose for herself. She picks surgery, naïvely thinking that it will provide a quick fix and let her return to her normal life. Deenie’s naïveté is symbolized by the nightgown that Midge and Janet buy her as a hospital gift, representing the idea that her disability is something that will be dealt with overnight. However, Deenie is also characterized as curious and resilient, which sets up her upcoming growth in the face of adversity, furthering the theme of Disability as a Catalyst for Self-Acceptance. She asks the doctors questions about the different tests she undergoes and does her own research at home. The encyclopedic article about “scoliosis” cited by the narrative conveys Deenie’s natural inquisitiveness and, at the same time, provides an accurate medical description of her condition.

Thelma’s reaction to Deenie’s diagnosis is framed in more negative terms, offering a counterpoint to Deenie’s struggle to accept her diagnosis. Because Thelma has criticized Deenie for her posture before, the young girl makes sure that her mother does not blame her for her diagnosis, revealing the guilt she has internalized from Thelma: “‘Ma, didn’t Dr. Moravia tell you that it’s not my fault?’ I wanted to get that straight right away. ‘Yes,’ Ma said. ‘Yes, he did tell me that.’ ‘Good! Now you can’t be mad at me’” (44). At first, Thelma believes that the doctors must have made a mistake, but more importantly, she is more upset about the effect that scoliosis may have on Deenie’s career as a model than she is about the medical and emotional consequences of the diagnosis on her daughter. Dr. Kliner stands up to Thelma later, underlining how dismissive Deenie’s mother is of her daughter’s feelings. When Thelma protests, “You don’t understand, Dr. Kliner. Deenie’s going to be a model. She can’t wear a brace for four years,” Dr. Kliner puts her concerns in perspective, saying, “I think you don’t understand, Mrs. Fenner. And it’s important that you do” (74-75). This interaction validates Deenie’s emotions and further depicts The Negative Impact of Parental Ambition on Self-Identity, illustrating how Thelma’s projection of her hopes for Deenie is damaging her daughter.

In addition, Deenie’s diagnosis sets up the relevance of the theme of Disability as a Catalyst for Self-Acceptance, with the highly visible Milwaukee brace playing a significant role in Deenie’s identity journey. The physical reality of Deenie’s condition creates a direct challenge to Thelma’s ambitions, setting up the eventual confrontation between the two characters. Symbolically, the brace provides Deenie with an opportunity to develop her self-image away from Thelma’s limiting aspirations.

Other character interactions in this section of the book set up the theme of Empathy as a Tool to Challenge Ableism. At this point in the story, the other characters’ empathy is directed at Deenie, who later learns to model that same behavior. Midge and Janet, for instance, support Deenie by taking her shopping for a nightgown for her upcoming surgery, which makes the latter grateful for their friendship. Deenie’s father Frank also supports his daughter through the diagnosis process. He tempers Thelma’s outbursts, for instance, and comforts the young girl: “I’m proud of you, Deenie. You’re stronger than your mother” (96). Frank’s support later prompts Deenie to act bravely in the plaster room despite her own anxiety. Through the example of these characters, the narrative indirectly demonstrates the importance of supportive relationships in fostering both self-confidence and compassion. Deenie’s behavior toward Old Lady Murray reflects how others’ treatment of her is beginning to shift her mindset: “I studied the bump on her back and wondered if she always had it or if it grew there when she got older” (66). In this passage, Deenie acknowledges the older woman for the first time and wonders about her condition. Although she only focuses on details of Old Lady Murray’s physical appearance at this point, like her clothing and her kyphosis, the passage reveals that Deenie is beginning to recognize Old Lady Murray’s identity beyond dehumanizing stereotypes. This foreshadows further interactions between Deenie and the older lady that illustrate Deenie’s evolving understanding of disability.