Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Colored World

I noticed today that most of the things that Hollis does not like she refers to either by a color (i.e. the White House, Yellow House, Green House) or a something that evokes a color (the Lemon Lady, Stucco Lady or Mustard Lady). I would think that traditionally a writer would have used colder colors (blues, browns) for negative things rather than the warmer Greens, and Yellows that the Author uses here. Interesting.

At the end of Chapter 5, Hollis acknowledges that she has to go to school (as in ‘be good’) if she is going to be able to stay at Josie’s house. With all of the pictures so far (including today’s of the Old Man) seeming to be related to Hollis’ wish for a family, and with Josie not representing a family, why do you think Hollis is determined to stay there?

2 Comments:

Ben said...

I think the reason Hollis is determined to stay there is because Josey:

A) Is an artist.

B) Really needs help.


Hollis seems to like Josey, but Josey isn’t doing too well with her memory. Hollis gives her plenty of help. Plus, Hollis enjoys drawing, and Josey is a fan of her art. I guess that both Josey and Beatrice can see Hollis’s soul inside of her art work. But I think it’s more likely Josey being an artist is why she’s staying.

Mr. Z said...

I think Hollis wants to stay for three reasons:
- She does not see herself going back to the Branches and does not see a traditional family in her future.
- She feels a connection with Josie (and Beatrice) and wants to stay where she is understood and valued.
- She feels an obligation to help Josie.
The last reason feels to me like it is becoming more important to Hollis.