Themes and message

Family dysfunction

Readers are introduced to the theme of family dysfunction from the beginning of the story “This Is All Mostly True” by Kathy Stevens, when we learn about Elsie’s parents’ issues with each other:

She drinks too bloody much, is what Dad says. I drink because your father’s a cheating bastard, is what Mum says. They don’t say these things to each other. They say it to themselves, and to me if I happen to be there at the time. (ll. 12-15)

Moreover, Elsie’s mother claims she does not want to be with her husband anymore, but she stays with him for Elsie’s sake: “I’ve only kept with him because of you, Mum says, because I love you very much.” (l. 21)

Through these details, readers can conclude that the marriage is based on convenience, rather than on love. Furthermore, neither of Elsie’s parents is willing to make any effort to improve their relationship, as they do not even discuss their issues openly. Instead, they complain to Elsie, and the story suggests that her parents’ lies lead to Elsie’s inner conflict. This conflict is manifested by her beginning to mistrust Stacie and her friendship: “She’s only my friend because I can’t go to school and you and Mum pay her to come here, I say.” (ll. 177-178)

Family dysfunction is also presented in the context of Elsie’s unnamed illness, which does not allow her to go to school, meaning that she needs constant care. While Elsie's parents are portrayed as caring towards Elsie in some situations – the mother sings to her and hugs her, and her father spends time with her - we are given clues that both parents are overwhelmed or frustrated with this situation.

Elsie’s mother, for example, drinks and goes out with her friends – activities that do not involve her daughter or husband, and becomes annoyed when Elsie has “ep...