Frida Boyelski

The main character of the story “Frida Boyelski’s Shiva” by Abigail Ulman is a Jewish woman named Frida Boyelski. She immigrated to Australia in her youth and learned English at the age of 26 (l. 34). She is divorced and has not seen other people after her divorce (ll. 132-133). Frida lives with her daughter, Ruthie Boyelski, in Australia, and has been working for a nursing home for the past 12 years (ll. 37-38).

There is little reference to Frida’s outer characterisation in the story. She is probably a middle-aged woman, as she immigrated to Australia when she was 26, and her daughter is 16 years old (l. 33). We learn that Frida has achy knees (l. 53) and that, on the day that Ruthie leaves home, she is wearing her work shirt: “She cut a gash into the collar of her work shirt.” (l. 52).

Inner characterisation

Frida’s inner characterisation is constructed through the narrator’s observations (which often reflect the character’s thoughts), her language, and her actions.

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Frida always wanted a daughter (l. 1). Her backstory is later developed by the narrator and emphasises that Frida was very determined and had a clear perspective on her future (ll. 34-36).

Frida thinks about gender in a stereotypical way – this is suggested through Ruthie’s upbringing (where she was given typically feminine toys and clothes despite disliking them) but also through Frida’s expectation that Ruthie will someday become a mother (ll. 74-75).

Frida’s daughter Ruthie announces to Frida that she is transgender. At first, Frida seems to have issues understanding the concept and, instead, assumes that Ruthie is gay (l. 3). She then implies that being transgender is a phase or a choice (l. 16) and that it is not who Ruthie truly is (ll. 24-25). Frida’s attitude reveals a lack of awareness about what it means to be transgender. At the same time, the narrator suggests that Frida is afraid Ruthie will come back a different person (ll. 22-23). Frida also refuses the read a book that Ruthie gives her. It is suggested that Frida feels the book will give reality to her si...