#could be considered anti mary-beth & anti karen

[scarfacemarston]

About Mary-Beth, Karen and Abigail

This isn’t the most eloquent thing I’ve written, but oh well. I know, this is controversial and I may receive hateful anons and reposts. That’s just how people react to things on tumblr, especially when it’s a popular character (s.) If you don’t want to see something that is negative towards these Karen or Mary-beth, please scroll on. It’s easier on both of us.  I don’t think Karen and Mary-Beth like Abigail. I think Karen tolerates her more than likes her, but she does appear to like Jack. Karen was kind to Abigail while she was grieving over Jack’s disappearance. This is the only conversation I’ve seen with Karen and Abigail, whereas as Mary-Beth does not have a single conversation with Abigail except to ask where is Kieran and later to ask where is Tilly. I know because I have all the audio files.

Karen has had some harsh audio towards Abigail. I haven’t really found anything of Abigail being harsh towards Karen. Abigail is no saint, I am well aware. She has said her fair share of fiery things, but I haven’t seen it with the girls at all. I’m not counting Miss Grimshaw literally trying to force her back into prostitution - literally one of the worst fates for a woman like Abigail. (nevermind the trauma of being a sex worker back then....)  Outside of that, neither girl talk to her overall.  They aren’t seen standing together much except for Karen occasionally standing with her for coffee. (She’s admittedly not a morning person and doesn’t speak to anyone.) But they don’t eat together, they don’t sit together, play games, work,  etc This also extends to Jack. Mary-Beth especially isn’t seen around Jack. Karen does talk to him sometimes and is pretty friendly. Karen also called out John before when he tried to cheat. I think that’s more Karen being a good person and wanting something better for Jack and calling out John out rather than liking Abigail. Karen comes across as almost being disappointed that Abigail brought Jack into this life so to speak. I mean that in a more sexist matter in that “Well you knew the life and you had a kid. I’ll try to talk to John but you still caused this.” Abigail brings up the pity and disgust the gang has for her on multiple occasions. I mean, look where the girls are always stationed. I just feel like Mary-Beth and Karen are very selective as to the women they socialize with. However, the men don’t seem to be an issue. Molly and Miss Grimshaw both bring up how the girls gossip and the hurt from that as well.  Molly and Miss Grimshaw are tough characters and I totally understand the tension. No doubt whatsoever. A lot of the criticisms are valid, but it comes across to me that Mary-Beth has secret mean girl tendencies or something based off of what Miss Grimshaw says about “knowing her type” and looking so innocent. Arthur’s antagonizing comments also bring this up multiple times.  The exception is Tilly. Tilly came to the gang earlier than Mary-Beth and Karen, so it is very likely that Abigail and Tilly bonded. I hc that outside of Sadie, Abigail’s best friend is Tilly. Tilly also basically says as much in her epilogue letter. Tilly is also the kinder one who is willing to give others a chance. I think she would see more than anyone what Abigail was before versus now and I think Abigail adores and trusts her immensely with Tilly in return caring for her as she asks for advice or sits with her. She’s also trusted with Jack more so than any other member. Tilly is the only one who asks about Molly. Yes, I totally understand their critiques, but Tilly is the most selfless one when it comes to the other women. I think the “drama” with John is what ruined Abigail’s standing in the gang. She went from the highest earning woman outside of Grimshaw, as said by Arthur and Hosea, to nothing. No status in the gang whatsoever.  I am not saying they are absolutely horrible people or that you shouldn’t like them. I just don’t think that they are as pure and innocent as the fandom portrays them as, especially Mary-Beth. She reminds me of the type of  school bullies who were so liked that no one believed the victims when they spoke up. Again, I’m not saying don’t like them. I’m just pointing out that I think these are traits that pop up