Helen - 'A Taste of Honey': Character Profile

Helen - 'A Taste of Honey': Character Profile

1. Personality

   • Selfish
   • Manipulating
   • Straightforward and down to earth
   • Spontaneous (e.g. her marriage)
   • Lazy - can't apply intelligence to her work
   • Caring - in some instances (when Jo gets engaged)
     • Supportive
   • Neglect in her mothering style
   • Annoying, if not cruel

2. Traits

   • Life evolves around money
   • Attractive
   • Homophobic
   • Smart - witty
   • Men are put in front of Jo in her life
   • Violence
   • Prostitute
   • Knows real life
   • Alcoholic
   • Racist
   • Enjoys life
   • Doesn't think about the future

3. Quotes

   • 'I don't forget things, it's just that I can't remember anything.'
   • '...don't think. It doesn't do you any good.'
   • 'Oh Joe, you're only a kid. Why don't you learn from my mistakes? It takes you half your life to learn from your own.'
     • 'That was your fault.'
   • 'I never thought about you! It's a funny thing, I never have done when I've been happy.'
   • 'Have I ever laid claim to being a proper mother?'
   • 'You've never had a boyfriend, have you?
   • Helen: 'Are you afraid of the dark?' Jo: 'You know I am.'
   • 'Oh!'