The Relationship Between Kiki Belsey And Carlene Kipps

The relationship between Kiki Belsey and Carlene Kipps begins with the relationship of their children, a union vehemently opposed by both families, and more specifically both fathers. The two families are incompatible in almost every conceivable way. The Kipps are wealthy, conservative, and aesthetically beautiful, while the Belseys are middle-class, liberal, and plain. Despite these differences, and in direct defiance of their husbands and children, in the time of greatest need in both their lives, these two women each become exactly what the other needs, a friend.

Throughout the novel Kiki’s appearance, her size, her beauty, is discussed from her own perspective, the perspective of strangers, and even from the perspective of her husband’s

In the undoing of her mistake, it becomes clear just how much Carlene’s friendship means to Kiki, “she felt ridiculous, like a schoolgirl.” This painting of Kiki’s interaction with Carlene closely mirrors that of younger, more romantic relationships, such as Zora’s second interaction with Carl where she wonders “was she ridiculous to him?” (140). In this second meeting with Carlene Kiki not only states explicitly that their friendship matters to her, but makes an effort to be truly herself. As their conversation continues the differences between the two women; cultural, political, and economic become apparent and Kiki begins to wonder “how soon she could make her excuses without seeming rude” (170). However, almost immediately, Kiki rediscovers what has drew her to Carlene originally, “she put things well: insightfully, honestly”

Although in different ways, the two women have lost what was most crucial to them. All Carlene Kipps ever wanted was to “love and be loved” however, as she was dying of cancer, clearly weak, lethargic and sick, her family never noticed. Kiki “married her best friend”, and moved to the city of his choosing. There she was pushed into the mold she didn’t know how to fill, and just as she felt she lost the ability to be who she truly was in public, she lost the ability to communicate with her husband in private. Through their genuine empathy and honestly, Carlene and Kiki were able to transcend the differences that separated the rest of their families to become exactly what the other needed. Carlene needed someone to love her, someone to listen, someone to care. Kiki needed someone to be honest with her, and to allow her to be honest in