The Other Mrs.

Mouse is named by her father, although it is not entirely clear why he gave her the name. The name’s meaning evolves throughout the text, symbolizing the way identities can shift depending on how one is treated and illustrating the way abuse can break down a person. At first, Mouse is simply an affectionate nickname like sweetheart or honey; Mouse’s father compares her to something small and cute. When Fake Mom arrives, Mouse tries to live up to her name and become small, quiet, and nocturnal to avoid the cruel woman’s notice and wrath. However, Fake Mom finds all the negatives in the word mouse, calling her a dirty rodent, which causes Mouse to start disliking the name that had brought her such joy. When Fake Mom disposes of Bert and her babies, the other “rodent” in the house, Mouse, is meant to take this as a warning sign that she could be exterminated next. This act of violence is, ostensibly, the moment Sadie’s personalities split. While Sadie grows, part of her is stuck as Mouse forever, like a mouse in a trap, doomed to relive her trauma until someone releases her.