Literature Circles Meeting 5

Today in our discussion we talked about chapters 20-29 of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I believe I contributed thoroughly as a discussion member today adding my own point of view to different topics and helping others understand what they had questions about. First, I helped Alyssa to understand Francie's school situation. I explained that, because in the book children must go to the school of the district they live in, Johnny lies and says Francie will be living in a house by the school she wants to go to.

My next major contributions were my questions. First, I asked why Katie would rather risk Francie's head getting lit on fire, with the kerosene she puts in it, than Francie getting lice. Alyssa explained to me that Katie is more concerned about not having to deal with lice and doesn't think too deeply about the consequences of the kerosene. This led to discussion about how Johnny is a better parent towards Francie than Katie. Because Francie and Johnny have both been sort of rejected by Katie because of her strong adoration for Neeley, they have created their own "team" in the family.

My next question was about why Katie is so against the Democratic Party. Andrew explained that she is more against Johnny's idolization of the Democratic Party rather than the actual political party. She wants to convince Johnny that it is not as perfect and giving as he thinks.

My last question was about what was being referred to as and "eye-opener" and a "night cap." After a bit of discussion we concluded as a group that it was either referring to drugs/alcohol or something sexual, but it is still unclear to us.

Later on in the discussion i contributed to comments on Francie's growing knowledge and how it is making her less happy with her life the way it is. Francie talks about how the theatre no longer amazes her, and even bothers her because it does not reflect real life; in real life, heros do not always come at just the right second to save the day. We decided that Francie growing up is a theme in the book and that as Francie grows and learns, she finds many things less fascinating. Francie also realized in this reading that her mother's hunger games are pointless and don't bring them to an accomplished goal or help them finish an amazing task.