Does Jolene Abuse Beth? Exploring the Complex Dynamics in The Queen’s Gambit
The relationship between Jolene DeWitt and Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit is a complicated one, marked by moments of genuine friendship and support alongside instances of significant harm and betrayal. To answer the question directly: yes, Jolene does abuse Beth. This abuse primarily manifests in two distinct ways: a sexual assault during their time at the Methuen orphanage, and later, through acts of emotional cruelty and spite. While Jolene offers Beth crucial guidance and support in navigating the orphanage and dealing with addiction, her actions are not excused by any good she performs. It is essential to understand the nuances of their interactions to fully grasp the characters and themes of the story.
The Sexual Assault: A Breach of Trust
The most glaring example of Jolene’s abuse is the sexual assault she perpetrates against a young, 8-year-old Beth. This incident, explicitly detailed in the source material and alluded to in the Netflix adaptation, occurs while they are both living at the orphanage. Jolene, who is 13 at the time, uses her position of relative power and maturity to violate Beth. This event leaves Beth feeling terrified and contributes to a complex dynamic between the two girls. Although the specifics are not depicted graphically in the show, the implication is clear and deeply disturbing.
This is not merely a teenage indiscretion; it’s a clear act of sexual abuse, a violation of Beth’s body and trust. The assault is also a crucial turning point, marking the end of the girls’ early, relatively uncomplicated friendship. Afterwards, the dynamic between them becomes strained and marked by animosity. This event is a pivotal factor in understanding the lasting impact of trauma on young Beth.
The Fallout and Lingering Effects
The consequences of Jolene’s assault ripple through the story. While Beth tries to cope with the incident, it affects her relationships and underscores the vulnerabilities she faces as a young orphan. Even as the girls eventually reconnect later in life, this foundational trauma cannot be ignored. The incident is a harsh reminder of the power imbalances that can exist within environments like orphanages and how those imbalances can be exploited.
Cruelty and Retaliation: A Toxic Dynamic
Beyond the sexual assault, Jolene exhibits a pattern of cruel and retaliatory behavior. This becomes apparent after Beth is adopted, and Jolene, feeling left behind and resentful, steals Beth’s chess book as an act of spite. This is not just a harmless prank; it’s a calculated action designed to hurt Beth and deprive her of something she cares about deeply. It highlights the undercurrent of jealousy and bitterness within Jolene.
This instance also demonstrates a recurring pattern of Jolene attempting to control and manipulate Beth. The incident reveals a pattern of Jolene’s behavior that goes beyond simple friendship; she seeks power and often expresses it through harmful actions towards Beth. While she does offer support in the orphanage initially and later as a friend, it’s crucial to remember that these positive actions don’t erase her past wrongs.
The Complexity of Their Relationship
It’s important to acknowledge that the relationship between Jolene and Beth is not entirely one-dimensional. Jolene is often presented as a complex character, who genuinely cares about Beth at times and offers her valuable guidance on surviving in the harsh environment of the orphanage. She is also the one who helps Beth manage her addiction to tranquilizers and supports her in physical education. The two are close and share a connection that is very significant to both, later on into their adult lives. However, these moments of kindness do not negate the abuse Jolene inflicts. It emphasizes the complexity of human relationships, that people can be both supportive and abusive within the same dynamic.
The Importance of Acknowledging the Abuse
It’s vital to recognize and discuss the abuse present in Jolene and Beth’s relationship. Ignoring or minimizing this aspect of their history diminishes the severity of Jolene’s actions and the impact it has on Beth. Acknowledging the abusive nature of their dynamic allows for a deeper analysis of the show’s themes, particularly those dealing with trauma, power dynamics, and the lasting effects of childhood experiences.
While The Queen’s Gambit is a story primarily focused on Beth’s rise in the world of chess, the inclusion of such a complicated relationship gives depth and richness to the story. It prompts discussions about how trauma shapes us and the responsibility to acknowledge and address instances of abuse, regardless of the larger context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of Jolene and Beth’s relationship, and address other relevant aspects of the Queen’s Gambit narrative:
1. How old were Jolene and Beth when the sexual assault occurred?
Jolene was 13 years old, and Beth was 8 years old when the sexual assault took place at the Methuen orphanage.
2. Was Jolene jealous of Beth?
Yes, Jolene displayed clear jealousy when Beth was adopted. This jealousy led her to steal Beth’s chess book as a spiteful act.
3. Why did Jolene call Beth “cracker”?
Jolene calls Beth “cracker” as a derogatory term, not as an endearment, particularly after their early friendship sours following the assault incident.
4. Did Jolene ever apologize to Beth for the sexual assault?
The show does not explicitly show Jolene apologizing to Beth for the sexual assault. While their relationship evolves, this specific act remains unaddressed.
5. What was Jolene’s role at the orphanage?
Jolene was a fellow orphan and host to new residents, including Beth, at the Methuen orphanage. She showed Beth the ropes and introduced her to the rules of the orphanage.
6. Did Jolene help Beth with her addiction?
Yes, Jolene was instrumental in helping Beth manage her tranquilizer addiction at the orphanage. She helped Beth understand the harmful effects of overreliance on the pills.
7. What did Jolene do after leaving the orphanage?
After graduating from Kentucky State University on a Physical Education scholarship, Jolene became a paralegal.
8. Was Townes in love with Beth?
While actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd has said that Townes was gay, the show chose to focus on Townes’s and Beth’s relationship as a deep friendship. He was interested in Beth more as a friend rather than romantically.
9. How old was Beth when she lost her virginity?
Beth lost her virginity to an older student in her Russian class, before she turned 18, after they smoked marijuana together.
10. Did Alma, Beth’s adoptive mother, truly love her?
Alma was a loving mother to Beth, though not always a positive influence. Her own needs and struggles sometimes took precedence over Beth’s.
11. Did Benny forgive Beth after their romantic relationship ended?
Yes, Benny and Beth were able to rekindle their friendship after they both healed from the end of their romantic relationship. It was a clear moment of forgiveness.
12. Did Beth ever repay the janitor from the orphanage?
While there’s no indication she directly repaid him, Beth kept the only photo he had of them, many years later, showing that she did honor his memory.
13. Was Beth Harmon coded as autistic in the show?
Although not explicitly declared autistic, Beth Harmon was heavily coded as such. This is demonstrated through her particular behaviors, but the performance was nuanced and complex.
14. How old was Beth when she was adopted?
Beth was approximately 13 years old when she was adopted by Alma and Allston Wheatley.
15. Does Beth meet Jolene again after being adopted?
Yes, Beth meets Jolene again as an adult. Jolene supports her and is a good friend to her during Mr. Shaibel’s death, amongst other things.
By examining these points, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships in The Queen’s Gambit and the ways in which characters like Jolene impact Beth’s life. The show doesn’t shy away from exploring these difficult dynamics, offering viewers a nuanced exploration of friendship, betrayal, and personal growth.