Themes Explored

[Katie]

This is for us to talk about the themes that come up in the book! Ex. How do you interpret the meaning of the title?

[Alice]

I think the title has to do with the struggle to survive In a rough world and finding that you can actually thrive there, a picture of Francie. I've been noting places where this tree is mentioned. Early in the first chapter the tree growing out of the cement in Francie's yard is described, as it grows out of the cement and flourishes there.
Later when we are learning about Francie being a sickly baby, her mother rises up against pitying neighbors and says, " everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of the grating. It gets no sun and only water when it rains. It's growing out of sour earth. And it's strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way. "
In chapter 15 when they move into a new flat Francie notices the tree growing out of cement where nothing could possibly grow, "Yet there was this tree growing in the yard ". She too is growing with little sun or water.

[Katie]

Alice wrote: "I think the title has to do with the struggle to survive In a rough world and finding that you can actually thrive there, a picture of Francie. I've been noting places where this tree is mentioned...."

Yes! Alice, I definitely agree! I marked every passage that mentions the tree. Every mention is about how scrappy this tree is, how resilient and resourceful it is. It's a perfect metaphor for Francie!