Misty observes that her mom is afraid of Shannon, but Misty doesn’t know why. Do you think this is true? If so, what do you think Beth is afraid of?

When Shannon and Beth attend Earl's event in their backyard together. Misty observes that her mom is afraid of Shannon, but Misty doesn’t know why. Do you think this is true? If so, what do you think Beth is afraid of?

Maybe she is afraid of letting go, of going beyond the constraints of her church and of her marriage.

I think Beth might be slightly jealous of Shannon. Shannon has a job, seems independent, is doing her "own thing". Despite the fact that she is overtly sexual, Beth might wish she had some of Shannon's carefree attitude. Beth is probably afraid that if she and Shannon became friends, Beth might adopt some of those qualities and "disobey" her church.

We all feel intimidated by people who think different from us. Shannon was very open about her feelings, something Beth kept within. Beth felt her world threatened. therefore fear ensued.

I don't think Beth was "afraid" of Shannon per se, but rather afraid that Shannon's life style was more appealing to Beth and one that she might be more satisfied with. Perhaps feelings of guilt for wanting a different kind of life--a bit of jealousy?

I agree with windellh that Shannon is different than Beth and I agree with MarieA that there might be some jealousy mixed in there. While Misty often seems mature for her age, I think it's hard to always know what others are thinking, especially her mom.