Best Looking Girl in Town

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION EMANUEL BILINGUAL SCHOOL

members: Jennifer González, Isaac Cruz and Shelsie Caballero cluster: 9°B Subject: conversation Teacher: Felipe Guardia date: 16 / 10 / 23

Introduction

Since the age of thirteen, Rilla Mabry has carried the heavy burden of shame about her distinctive appearance. Her towering height and slender figure set her apart from other girls, creating a sense of awkwardness and estrangement. This feeling of inadequacy follows her into adulthood, shaping her relationships and decisions in a small town where appearance and social expectations carry significant weight.

As Rilla progresses into her twenties, her conviction that her appearance is something terrible solidifies, impacting not only her self-esteem but also her choices in love. The plot revolves around how a brief encounter with Leslie Durant, a magazine illustrator, alters the course of Rilla's life. This change not only impacts her perception of herself but also influences her romantic choices and the trajectory of her life.

Theme

At the core of the story lies the exploration of self-image, personal acceptance, and the relativity of beauty. Through Rilla's experience, the narrative addresses the idea that true beauty goes beyond external appearances, emphasizing the importance of selfacceptance in the pursuit of happiness. The thematic core of the narrative focuses on personal transformation, self-acceptance, and the influence that external perceptions can have on an individual's life. The story suggests that true beauty and happiness are found in authenticity and self-acceptance. The central theme of the story revolves around self-acceptance, the consequences of choices, and how external perceptions can affect self-esteem. Additionally, it explores the unpredictability of life and love.

Characters

Rilla Mabry: The journey from adolescence to adulthood becomes a tale of self-discovery for Rilla. Her struggle with self-image, romantic choices, and personal acceptance defines her evolution.

Leslie Durant: A fleeting but influential character, Durant represents the spark that ignites transformation in Rilla's life. His perspective on beauty and lasting impact mark a before and after in the story.

Shane Tennant: The initial object of Rilla's affection and later her husband, Shane embodies the apparent perfection that can lead to conflicts and challenges in Rilla's life.

Patrick Redding: Rilla's former boyfriend, whose later life contrasts with hers, adding layers of reflection on choices and destiny.

Setting: The story unfolds in the charm and expectations of a small town, where the characters' lives are intertwined with social relationships and community norms. The transition to New York adds an element of change and challenge to the plot.

Conflict: The central conflict in Rilla's life arises from the duality between her insecure self-perception and the social expectations surrounding appearance and romantic choices. Falling in love with Shane Tennant, a man who personifies the ideal of beauty and social status, confronts Rilla with emotional and financial challenges. Her marriage to Shane does not deliver the promises of sustainable happiness, as they are plagued by financial issues and Shane's infidelity, leaving Rilla at an emotional crossroads.

Resolution: The resolution of the story manifests in Rilla's self-acceptance and her ability to find true happiness. Through her encounter with Leslie Durant years later, Rilla reflects on the choices she has made and acknowledges that true beauty resides in authenticity. Although her marriage to Shane was not successful, Rilla finds redemption by embracing her individuality and following a more authentic path.

Plot: The plot follows Rilla's evolution from adolescence to adulthood.

After a brief but impactful encounter with Leslie Durant, her love life takes an unexpected turn with her marriage to Shane Tennant.

Facing the challenges of her marriage and the consequences of

decisions made in her youth, the story highlights how Rilla ultimately finds inner peace and personal acceptance.

Moral Value: The moral value emphasized in the story is the importance of selfacceptance and authenticity. The narrative underscores that lasting happiness does not come from conforming to external expectations or pursuing conventional beauty ideals. Instead, true beauty is found in confidence and personal authenticity, and choices based on appearance may not lead to genuine satisfaction.