Themes and message

The main theme of the short story “The Fabulous Button Sisters” by Sarah Salway is friendship, which is enhanced by motifs such as insecurity, disappointment, and appearances. Sarah Salway’s message is that being a teenager is challenging for both those who are insecure and those who act confident. Furthermore, the author suggests that teenage friendships are frail, easily disrupted and many times built on appearances.

Friendship

The theme of friendship is explored in the short story through two relationships; Karen’s with Connie and Karen’s with Michelle.

Initially, Connie was Karen’s best friend until Michelle appeared in their lives. However, Karen soon becomes influenced by Michelle and pushes Connie away, without even feeling responsible for it:

“We can still be friends at weekends and after school,” I whispered to Connie but I couldn’t hide my relief when Michelle just booked us both in for every club going until she thought it was safe to let me have some free time. (ll. 19-21)

However, it is Karen’s friendship with Michelle that is the focus of t...