Her lack of compassion is seen when in her mother in law’s car towards her home.
Belinda tries to tour him by pointing on a few landmarks but Noelle takes advantage of
the man’s short term memory loss due to his concussion. She says
‘The man can’t remember what kind of soup they serve – I doubt he’ll remember
what the place looks like.’ – Noelle (Chapter 2.)
Question two (2)
Noelle was brought up by the state as her mother had left her in the town of Chicago on
Christmas eve and disappeared till date. She has been brought up in a foster system
‘I was raised by the state. My mother left me in the town crèche on Christmas Eve
and disappeared never to be heard of again’ - Noel (Chapter 4.)
and did much of her growing up in Ned and Belinda’s house and was since attached to Kevin
when they were in middle school as sweethearts to who she got married to at 21 years.
The reason why Hammond and Noelle can get together at least initially is because
Hammond has been a lot more arrogant and intrusive. Being bossy for the better part of the
novel. This in combination with his opinion for the Christmas castle and tradition and the
continuous remarks he made concerning the same put off Noelle. His consistent disregard for the
town she was living and always mentioning he had to get back home to Boston made him
unattractive to her. The writer also mentions severally that Hammond made Noelle angry so
much time which was characterized by the regular folding of her hands towards her chest. On the
other hand, Noelle was consistently annoyed with everything that Hammond said which made
Hammond feel as if he was pushing so hard on her. Her bratty behavior and jumping into
conclusions and insinuating things, and Noelle’s staunch stand on their traditions and loyalty to
the Frybergs’ worsened the situation a little more. He also considered her unwelcoming
‘Let’s face it, Mrs. Fryberg. You haven’t exactly rolled out the welcome
mat. Not that I mind, but let’s not pretend the antipathy has been one –
sided.’ - Jammes (Chapter 3.)
The other thing that keeps the two of them is the Boss – Employee relation. Being an employee,
Noelle feels there should be some guiding rules and standards that should dictate the conduct of
each. She even pauses to answer when asked out for dinner.
Question three (3)
Noelle does not have a family at least that she could relate to by DNA. Nevertheless,
Belinda took her in in a foster system who later became her mother in law as she got married to
Belinda’s son Kevin. Ned and Belinda were very warm and caring as they took her in and treated