Why did Beth’s mom hate Her?
Television dramas often rely on intricate character relationships to drive their narratives. Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" is no exception, with the tumultuous relationship between Beth Dutton and her mother, Evelyn, serving as a prominent subplot. While the show does not explicitly diagnose the underlying causes for the maternal animosity, it is possible to explore this dynamic through the lenses of psychology and TV tropes. By analyzing specific examples from the show, this essay will attempt to ascertain which theory best explains Evelyn's apparent disdain for her daughter, Beth.
One possibility that arises from the realm of regular psychology is the idea of projection. In this context, projection refers to the act of unconsciously attributing one's own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or character flaws to another person. Evelyn may be displacing her unresolved issues onto Beth, thereby creating a rift between them.
For instance, the show depicts Beth as a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman, characteristics that may remind Evelyn of her own unfulfilled ambitions. The tension between mother and daughter could thus stem from Evelyn's resentment of her daughter's successes, which she perceives as a reflection of her own shortcomings.
Another psychological explanation for the strained relationship between Beth and her mother is parentification. This occurs when a parent inappropriately relies on their child for emotional support, causing the child to assume adult-like responsibilities at a young age.
In "Yellowstone," we see glimpses of Beth taking on the role of confidante and caretaker for her younger brother, Kayce, as well as her father, John. This may have fostered resentment in Evelyn, who could feel threatened by Beth's usurpation of traditional maternal roles. Consequently, her animosity toward Beth could be a manifestation of this perceived encroachment on her territory.
A common narrative device employed in television dramas is the "black sheep" trope, wherein a family member is portrayed as an outcast or outsider. In "Yellowstone," Beth could be viewed as the black sheep of the Dutton family, with her mother's disdain serving to emphasize her status as a pariah.
Throughout the series, we witness the favoritism and preferential treatment that Evelyn bestows upon her other children, particularly Kayce. This reinforces the idea that Beth is the odd one out, a narrative device that adds depth to her character and further highlights the strained relationship with her mother.
Another aspect of storytelling that comes into play is the use of conflict to drive the plot and facilitate character development. In "Yellowstone," the friction between Beth and her mother could be a narrative tool designed to propel the story forward and set the stage for growth and change.
For example, Beth's struggle to win her mother's approval could be a catalyst for her character arc, pushing her to prove her worth and ultimately triumph over adversity. Similarly, Evelyn's inability to connect with her daughter may be a plot device that allows the character to confront her own personal demons and ultimately achieve redemption.
While both regular psychology and TV tropes offer plausible explanations for the complex dynamic between Beth and her mother, Evelyn, it is important to recognize that such analyses are inherently speculative. That being said, in the context of the show, the most persuasive theory seems to be the "black sheep" trope, as it provides a compelling framework for understanding the characters' motivations and actions. By positioning Beth as the outcast within the Dutton family, "Yellowstone" effectively underscores the central themes of family loyalty, power struggles, and the search for acceptance.
Furthermore, the "black sheep" trope aligns with the show's broader narrative arcs, allowing for a more seamless integration of Beth's subplot within the larger story. Her status as the outsider not only generates tension and conflict among the Dutton family members but also serves as a catalyst for her character development. As the series progresses, Beth's journey toward self-discovery and her quest for validation are intrinsically linked to her fraught relationship with her mother.
Although psychological theories such as projection and parentification offer intriguing insights into the possible causes of Evelyn's animosity, these explanations may not fully account for the narrative structure and thematic focus of the show. In the world of television dramas, character relationships are often crafted to maximize dramatic impact and drive the story forward, which may supersede the psychological plausibility of these dynamics.
Ultimately, the "black sheep" trope appears to be the most accurate explanation for the strained relationship between Beth Dutton and her mother, Evelyn, in "Yellowstone." This theory effectively captures the complexities of their dynamic while also serving the broader narrative goals of the show. However, it is important to remember that the world of fiction often simplifies or exaggerates human relationships for the sake of storytelling, and real-life family dynamics can be far more nuanced than what is presented on screen.
