Foil

Character Role Analysis

Daisy and Florine

Both Daisy and Florine, Boolie's wife, are society women. But they belong to different societies. Daisy ridicules Florine for not staying in her own social circle. Daisy's proud of her Jewish heritage; she plays mah jongg with her Jewish friends and has been active in her temple congregation. Florine, who's also Jewish, is trying to pass as Christian, mostly for the benefit of Boolie and his business in the Christian-dominant South. She throws elaborate Christmas parties and hangs out with Christian ladies who can (she hopes) get her into the highest social strata.

Florine is terrible to her maid, which makes Miss Daisy seem like a saint by comparison. Although Miss Daisy can be stubborn and rigid, Florine and her behavior show us that things could always be worse.