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64. Family School
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Out of the Dust, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Nature, Survival, and the Dust Bowl
Poverty, Charity, and Community
Coming of Age
Family and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
One day, when Billie Jo arrives at school, Miss Freeland says she cannot come in because the woman is giving birth to her baby. This reminds Billie Jo of what happened to her mother and Franklin. She prays that this birth will go better than that one. When Billie Jo hears a baby cry, she is relieved, though it is an emotional moment for her. When she looks at the baby for the first time, she sees it is wearing the nightgown she donated.
Billie Jo is emotionally invested in the birth of Mrs. Williams’ child because her last experience with childbirth was so horrible. The Williams’ baby represents new life and hope, which is something the community desperately needs. The nightgown the child wears demonstrates the importance of Billie Jo’s sacrifice and shows what is possible when the community comes together to help one another.
Themes
