What I have noticed throughout the book and particularly in Chapter 5, is the author's ignorance of Peley's obvious physical sensitivity. For the Christmas assignment, the students were to make a piece of art that they would give to their parents as a "Christmas present." The project required the students to place the entire surface of both palms in glue and print them on construction paper that was decorated with a pre-printed poem. Peley resisted this project. Mrs. Starr had to physically place Peley's hand in the glue herself, all the while Peley exclaiming "yuk yuk." In fact, after the project, "Peley continued making her 'Yuk' sounds and quickly washed her hands after the imprint' (page 78). Ruggiano-Schmidt stated that Peley was not happy about placing her hands in the paste because "a Christmas gift for her parents was meaningless." I definite agree that this was one reason why Peley was displeased with the project. But neither Peley's teacher, nor Peley's observer, questioned whether a physical sensitivity was a factor in Peley's resistance.
Other examples of Peley's physical sensitivity:
ReplyDelete"My hands are sticky, yuck!" Project included glue and glitter. Peley would color with markers but would not use the glitter. "I'm done. I don't like this. It stinks! I don't want to do this anymore!" (Chapter 3, page 31).
When Jennifer made Itsy Bitsy Spider movements on Peley's back, "I don't like this. I don't like it!" (Chapter 4, page 43).
I think you haev picked up on a real issue. I thought perhaps it was a dislike for being dirty, or having things on her hands that needs to be washed off. Clearly as you point out its more than just that since she didn't like the itsy bitsy spider on her back. I wonder if personal space might also be a factor?
ReplyDelete-Beth