Shakespeare said that jealousy was like a "green-eyed monster." No, he wasn't talking about Mike Wazowski—he meant that feelings of envy can really start to take over. That's what Louise finds out in Jacob Have I Loved as she grows more and more jealous of her sister, Caroline. We definitely don't blame her for being a little envious of her beautiful, talented twin, but at a certain point, the jealousy goes from garden-variety sibling rivalry to full-blown monster territory. Louise finally has to slay her own beast to break free from the cycle of hating her sister. This is one fight you're not going to want to miss.
Questions About Jealousy
- If Louise had more self-esteem, do you think she would be less jealous of Caroline? Why or why not?
- Why is Louise jealous of Call? Do you think he envies Louise, too? Why or why not?
- Would you be jealous of Caroline if you were Louise? Heck, are you, yourself, jealous of her right now? Explain, please.
Chew on This
Louise understands her envy as starting the moment Caroline was born, which helps her nurse her feelings of jealousy throughout her life.
Caroline never purposely tries to hurt Louise—she simply seizes the opportunities that her sister passes by.