The overall scene of the parents visit brings up many controversial issues. The most obvious of which is religious intolerance. Like most of the others before me, I disagree with the way Z’s step-father acted. As a Christian I understand his opposition to the House of Night’s religious customs. I do, however, feel like a simple statement of where he stands on the issue would have sufficed. I do not support other religions, but I am respectful of the people who choose to believe them. Verbally attacking another person’s beliefs is not respectful and many Christians would never go that far. The Christian faith is very heavy on forgiveness and accepting others. The step father is a good example of someone who is high up in the church and abusive of that power. As for Zoe’s mother, I have to agree that she seems rather spineless. I know my mom wouldn’t let someone be so rude to me. I do hope that Zoe can forgive her mother later, though. So many women are brainwashed by men from mental and emotional abuse. I think that is what the authors were trying to portray through the overall relationship between the mother and step-father. That he is mentally abusive and the mother doesn’t know how to stand up for herself to him.
On the other end of the spectrum is Stevie Ray’s mother. She seems very open and understanding of her daughter and the changes she’s had to go through after being marked. I can understand how it would be hard to accept that much change so quickly, but her mother demonstrates a strong will to stay connected with her daughter.
