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92. Hope Smothered
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
On a Sunday afternoon, everyone in Joyce City gathers at the hardware and furniture store to listen to Mad Dog sing on the radio. Arley and his band perform alongside Mad Dog. Billie Jo is sad she is not there with them. However, everyone else is happy and proud of Mad Dog and Arley. Billie Jo tries to make herself as happy as everyone else, but her throat tightens whenever she tries to cheer.
Mad Dog’s success is great news from the wider community, as it is a small win during an otherwise hopeless time. Unfortunately, Billie Jo cannot bring herself to be happy for her friend because she is too caught up in the tragedy of her own situation.
Themes
