Ellen Foster: Exploring Distrust in Relationships

Deceptive Nature of People

Ellen's perception of people being deceptive and untrustworthy is reflected through her observations in the novel. For example, she notices the women at the Withersteen House being insincere and dishonest in their interactions with Jane Withersteen. This lack of genuineness in relationships contributes to Ellen's overall sense of distrust towards others.

Judgmental Attitudes Towards Ellen

Furthermore, Ellen's distrust towards others is influenced by the negative judgments she faces based on her appearance. The discomfort and loathing she experiences from individuals like Wolfe, despite his kindness in other aspects, reinforce her belief that people are quick to judge and show disgust towards her physical deformity. This constant scrutiny adds to Ellen's sense of isolation and suspicion towards others.

Blindness to Faults and Betrayal

Additionally, Ellen's distrust towards others stems from her perception that people are blind to their own faults and unwilling to acknowledge their guilt. This is exemplified through her sisters' inability to recognize their betrayal of Jane Withersteen, their benefactress. Ellen sees this lack of self-awareness as a significant factor contributing to strained relationships and dishonesty among individuals she encounters.

Overall, Ellen's distrust towards others in "Ellen Foster" is shaped by her observations of deception, judgmental attitudes, and individuals' inability to recognize their own faults. These elements underscore the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of building trust in a world marked by superficiality and hidden motives.