A Source of Comfort and Support:
* Kind and Compassionate: Aunty Jean shows genuine warmth and affection towards Martyn, especially during difficult times. She offers him solace, listens to his anxieties, and provides a safe space for him.
* A Refuge: Her home is a haven for Martyn, a place where he can escape the pressures and tensions of his family life. He finds comfort in her company and the familiar routines of her home.
* Practical Help: She offers Martyn practical support, such as food, shelter, and even a job at her shop.
A Source of Conflict:
* Overprotective: Her fierce protectiveness towards Martyn, though well-intentioned, can be stifling at times. She tries to shield him from the "real world," limiting his experiences and independence.
* Unrealistic Expectations: Aunty Jean has high expectations for Martyn, both academically and socially. This pressure contributes to his feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
* Controlling Behavior: Her attempts to control Martyn's life, particularly regarding his relationship with his mother, can be seen as intrusive and manipulative.
A Character With a Past:
* A Tragic History: The novel hints at a past trauma in Aunty Jean's life, which may explain her somewhat eccentric and reserved nature. Her past experiences have shaped her worldview and her protectiveness towards Martyn.
* A Complex Relationship with Martyn's Mother: The novel suggests a strained history between Aunty Jean and Martyn's mother. This past tension adds complexity to the dynamics within the family.
Overall:
Aunty Jean is presented as a character with both positive and negative qualities. She embodies the complexity of familial relationships, highlighting the conflicting emotions of love, protectiveness, and control. While she provides Martyn with much-needed support and comfort, her overprotective nature and unrealistic expectations contribute to his inner turmoil.
Brooks uses Aunty Jean to explore the complexities of family, the burdens of past trauma, and the conflicting desires for protection and independence. Her role in Martyn's life is multifaceted and adds depth to the narrative.