Surviving the Applewhites

“Then he had declared taking Jake Semple is a noble and socially responsible thing to do. Noble and socially responsible! More like suicidal, E.D. thought. She had thought that even before she’d laid eyes on Jake Semple. Now she was sure of it.”

By choosing to take Jake in, Zedediah and the other members of the Applewhite family showcase their kindness and generosity. In contrast, E.D. displays immaturity through her judgmental attitude.

“He hated adults making decisions for him and expecting him to just go along with whatever they said.”

This passage introduces the central conflict in Jake’s life: his desire for autonomy and self-determination. Throughout his life, Jake has been expected to go along with the decisions of adults, leading him to adopt a rebellious attitude.

“E.D. didn’t know how she could have been born an Applewhite. She wasn’t anything at all like the rest of them. Even her mother and Aunt Lucille, who were only Applewhites by marriage, were more like them than she was. Applewhites were enormously talented. She was not. Applewhites thrived on chaos. E.D. wanted organization and sense. Applewhites loved spontaneity. E.D. wanted a schedule and a plan she could count on. Applewhites craved freedom. E.D. wanted structure.”

This passage shows how E.D. differs from the rest of her family, introducing the theme of Individuality Versus Conformity. E.D.’s longing for order and structure within a family characterized by spontaneity and chaos underscores her unique individuality. By contrasting her traits with those of the Applewhites, this passage conveys E.D.’s sense of alienation within her family.