The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

Clothing, though a necessity of life, can also hold cultural and symbolic meanings. O’Farrell focuses not only on what her characters wear but also the colors and textures of the garments. One of Esme’s earliest memories is of Jamila’s beautiful sari, and the distinct sound it makes when she moves. Jamila’s garment not only symbolizes an important part of her culture but also provides a pleasant memory for Esme amid years of pain. When the Lennox family moves to Scotland, their cotton shifts, perfect for the balmy Indian climate, are not only insufficient against the Scottish chill, but are also seen as coarse and common. Ignoring Esme and Kitty’s trauma, their grandmother makes outfitting them in proper attire her priority, and when the girls first visit the department store, Esme is perplexed by the expectation that she has to wear so many layers of uncomfortable clothing.

Esme and Kitty’s grandmother insists they be fitted for dresses to be worn to social events. Bored by what she sees as a pointless endeavor, Esme complains until her mother threatens her with punishment. Instead of a frilly dress, Esme begs for a velvet gown. Her choice of dress symbolizes her intense personality and preference for soft, flowing fabrics as opposed to the formality of stiff taffeta.