Beginning of Essay
Mabel Beasley, the Mother of Norma Jean, in Bobbie Ann Mason’s "h", has all the characteristics of a Marine Drill Sergeant. A Drill Sergeant will inspect living areas for cleanliness, demand everything be in its proper place, maintain strict disci ....

Middle of Essay
.... as the years have added the extra pounds. The dress is divided in the middle with a white belt and gold buckle. This is the kind of belt and buckle Drill Sergeant Mabel would wear during her inspection of Norma Jean’s house: "she inspects the closets and then the plants, informing Norma Jean when a plant is droopy or yellow. She also notices if Norma Jean’s laundry is piling up" (666). Everything must be in its proper place, having been ordered by Mabel’s strict discipline policy. Mabel’s discipline is the result of her anger against Norma Jean for getting pregnant out of wedlock, and the death of the baby a few months a ....