The Favorite Girl

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, self-harm, sexual violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and gender discrimination.

In The Favorite Girl, protagonist Demi is made vulnerable by her socioeconomic status. Her lack of resources and connections make her susceptible to the machinations of the rich and powerful. She was sold into human trafficking by her similarly disadvantaged parents and became unhoused when she escaped. This means that she doesn’t have the necessary documents, like a driver’s license or home address, to apply for many jobs. The Ivory family uses their wealth to control Demi’s body, time, labor, and marital status.

Demi feels that she has to accept the housekeeper position at the Ivory Estate because she lacks choices. She thinks, “The worst position to be in is a person without choices, because that means others can make decisions for you” (53). The Ivory family makes decisions about Demi’s wardrobe, makeup, hair, diet, exercise routine, and working conditions. Furthermore, she has to be weighed regularly and get an IUD. She is initially gaslit into believing that these kinds of rules are “absolutely customary for the wealthy” (95). Demi’s poverty leads her to accept these invasive conditions.