So Big

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death. 

Selina is the protagonist of So Big. Her character and decisions move the plot forward, even when the narrative switches focus to her son, Dirk, in the second half of the novel. After introducing Selina on her farm, with her son, the narrative turns to her youth. Selina’s youth shapes her character. Her mother is dead and her father is a professional gambler, imbuing her life with a sense of chaos and tragedy. She finds solace in books, art, and theater. She finds comfort in escaping into fictional worlds, while the prospect of becoming a writer and exploring distant countries is the motivation she uses to move forward in life. She does not want to be like her aunts, who live stuffy, uninteresting lives. Selina craves agency, just like the characters in her favorite works of fiction. As such, she becomes fascinated by anyone who dedicates themselves to their passions. When she meets Roelf, for example, she recognizes someone who shares her desire to escape. Roelf and Selina share a mentality, as they are willing to prioritize their sensibilities over their material possessions.