Informative Essay by Abby

        Ellen's grandmother was a cold, usually mean old lady.  The museum-like environment that was her house was no place for a child to be growing up.  This grandmother was an unfit guardian because of her home environment, the fact she was mean, and her own need to be taken care of.
        The home environment was particularly pointed out.  Possibly reminding a reader of a museum, Ellen was not allowed to touch the decor.  A lot of all that decor was expressive also.  This gives a reader the idea that Ellen's grandmother was a fairly wealthy person.
        Money can't buy happiness, though.  Quite apparent is that it also can't buy a nice personality, pleasant disposition, or anything of the sort.  Ellen's grandmother could be an incredible force in an argument.  She would also simply insult Ellen with accusations of being corrupt liker her father or being some kind of slut.  Not exactly an encouraging guardian, now, was she?
        Ellen's grandmother became meaner when she became sicker, too.  It started with flu, but went worse when the weather went cold.  Ellen gave her medicine, bathed her, and overall took care of her until the day she died.  This need to be cared for herself made her unable to be a caregiver for Ellen.
        This need for care, as well as her mean disposition and museum-like house are evidence contributing to that Ellen's grandmother was a poor parent figure.  Readers can only root for Ellen and hope that the experience has made her a better person.