The Eatenton’s have complex yet loving relationship. The family copes with stressful situations by utilizing humor. Shelby and her mother M’Lynn have a multifaceted relationship. They depend on one another, M’Lynn has spent her life protecting Shelby, ensuring she did what the doctors tell her to do, voices her opinion about how Shelby should handle her affairs. M’Lynn is controlling and is demanding of Drum. Shelby even states in the film “I wish you’d get off Daddy’s back.” (Ross & Stark, Steel Magnolias) M’Lynn is supportive but authoritative.
The reason they behave the way they do is partially due to the fact that Shelby suffers from diabetes. Her illness is uncontrolled and the doctors have told Shelby there are certain things that she does not need to do. M’lynn feels that she needs to enforce this medical opinion for her daughter’s safety.
The Strongest
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She is the mother of Shelby and the grandmother of Jack Jr. She is calm under pressure when her daughter has a diabetic episode she gives her child her kidney without thought for herself, stays by her daughter’s side while she is in the coma. When it is decided to take Shelby off of the ventilator then M’Lynn takes control, tells Jackson which clothes need to be prepared for her funeral, which funeral home to call, and then proceeds to get Jack Jr. She had to endure the loss of a child and still holds the family together is why she is the strongest mentally and emotionally. M’Lynn says “Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just held Shelby’s hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out.” (Ross & Stark, Steel Magnolias) The way she views the loss of a child is commendable, she is an example for her family and friends she is the one who holds the systems