Skyler White: A Complex/Mainstream Character in Breaking Bad
Skyler White: A Complexity Challenges the View of a Traditional Character
When approaching the portrayal of Skyler White in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, one may initially be drawn to label her as a character with complex, multifaceted traits that often defy easy categorization. Unlike many traditional tropes, she is neither unequivocally noble nor wholly villainous; instead, her actions and motivations frequently blur the lines between right and wrong, portraying a woman who is firmly rooted in her own set of values and choices.
At the outset, Skyler White presents herself as a competent and traditional suburban housewife and mother. She manages the household accounts with diligence, even though the limited resources at hand are often meager. Her minor nagging and questioning of Walt's choices are understandable within the context of a typical relationship, where partners often seek to provide guidance and ensure mutual happiness.
Skylers's Early Loyalty and Love
Before revealing Walt's terminal condition, Skyler was described as a loving wife. It is only then, when she realizes the gravity of his situation, that her actions truly begin to showcase her complexity. Skyler’s decision to withhold information about Walt's cancer and the subsequent treatment decisions reveal her unyielding love and desire for what she perceives to be the best for both her husband and her children. She remains resolute in ensuring that her family can retain the life she believes is best for them, defying the cultural narrative that often dictates sacrifice for the benefit of the sick.
A Cheater's Justification
The infamous affair with Saul Goodman, while often perceived as a betrayal, has deeper layers of justification within the context of the show. Walt's neglect and the overwhelming focus on his ill-conceived meth business left little room for personal or marital connection. Skyler's actions, while morally questionable from a traditional standpoint, can be seen as a response to emotional and physical desertion. This highlights that her actions are not solely the result of ulterior motives but a reaction to prolonged emotional deprivation.
Finale and Resolution
As the series progresses, the narrative quality of Skyler's character begins to contribute significantly to the ending. By the finale, her marriage to Walter is no longer tenable. Despite their initial attempts to mend their relationship, the deep emotional and financial wounds inflicted over the course of the series render their union a failure. Skyler's departure signifies a shared understanding that her presence, though not detrimental, was no longer necessary or suitable within the framework of what they had become.
By the end of the show, watching Skyler transition to a more secure and independent life with the girls, viewers can appreciate the glimpse into a character who is both a victim and a consequential actor within her own narrative. This complexity challenges the traditional portrayal of a wife in crisis, offering a more nuanced and realistic depiction of human behavior under extreme circumstances.
Conclusion
Thus, Skyler White emerges as a character whose multifaceted nature continually defies easy categorization. From a loving, traditional wife to a complex and conflicted figure, she epitomizes the complexity and depth necessary for characters in modern storytelling. Her journey, while personally challenging, contributes significantly to the relatable and timeless themes of love, loss, and survival.