• Johnny's death leaves Francie extremely lonely; this is because she knows that Neeley is Katie's favorite. Francie and her father naturally bonded, and now she is left without his large displays of affection and warmth. Moreover, Francie is terrified that Katie will die. Katie begins to fill in some of the affection she once received from Johnny, especially when Katie offers her children an uncustomary good-night kiss. By the end of Chapter 39, Francie realizes how much Katie needs Francie's help in the days leading to the childbirth, and feels that being needed is just as important as being loved.
- How would you feel, as Francie, taking on such large responsibility for the caring of her pregnant mother?
- Does this situation re-visit the "Coming of Age" theme? How so? How must it feel going to school, losing your father, and taking on such a large role at home; while still overflowing with emotions due to a family absence?
Chapter 40
• Francie takes care of Katie the days and hours before she goes into labor. The evening of the birth, Francie sends Neeley for Evy and tells tells her mama straightforwardly that Neeley would know better how to comfort her. Katie goes into a discussion about how men should not assist in births, that women always insist they stand beside them.
- Through your eyes, does this situation suggest a symbol of Francie's emtions towards missing her father? Possibly spoken out of anger?
Jenna S.
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I think that the coming of age theme is represented through all of the responsibility Francie has to take on with her father gone and her mother pregnant. She is becoming more like the mother in this situation because she is taking on the duties of her mother although she is still grieving the loss of her father. I also notice that this shows how much more mature Francie becomes throughout the book. Over the years her questions about sex are answered, she faces a terrible loss, and she gains more education then her parents.
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