13 Little Blue Envelopes

Letter writing is a recurring motif throughout the novel, helping to convey Ginny’s coming-of-age story and her process of self-discovery through travel. Aunt Peg’s letters to Ginny appear at regular intervals, characterizing Peg, outlining the stages of Ginny’s trip, and describing Peg’s reasons for selecting each destination. Peg’s letters move the plot along, providing Ginny with the guidance and motivation to move from one place to the next. The letters also underscore Ginny’s grieving process, as Peg’s letters reveal more about her illness and finally force Ginny to fully come to terms with the fact of Peg’s death.

The author plays with the motif of letter writing by including letters written by Ginny as well. After going out to the bar with Keith, Ginny writes her first letter home to her best friend, Miriam. She sends a few other letters home to Miriam over the course of her travels. There is a contrast between the characteristics of Ginny that are revealed in her letters versus the characteristics she displays in her actions and her internal thoughts throughout the rest of the narrative. In her letters to Miriam, Ginny is snarky and playful, as when she writes, “But just for fun, let’s review my romantic history, shall we? […] So, as you can see, my chances are incredibly good, given my wide appeal and experience” (70).