The Child In Fairchilde

Lady Elaine and children are one in the same. Simply watch one episode of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe for proof. Fred Rogers intended her to be an easily identifiable, focal point for children. This may be why those of us who grew up with her have been so affected by her: a strange love/hate relationship developed for many of us.

Some who fear her may merely see her as a hideous red puppet ,and have not reached beyond that point. One must look into her character though. Inside her is a complex mix of the following: swinging moods, hating authority, unwelcoming change, trying to fit in, longing to be loved - some of the very things that make being a child so difficult.