Sarah, Plain and Tall

“Mama died the next morning. That was the worst thing about Caleb.”

This quote abruptly reveals the tragedy that befell the Whiting family. It also explains Anna Whiting’s complicated feelings for her brother. She loves him, but his presence is a daily reminder of the loss of her mother.

“‘Maybe,’ he said, his voice low, ‘if you remember the songs, then I might remember her, too.’”

Caleb Whiting has no memory of his mother, so Anna bears the burden of relating all she knows about her to him. This quote establishes the motif of singing. For Caleb, a house full of music and song feels safe, and here he associates the loss of singing with the loss of his mother.

“‘No […] Not a housekeeper.’ He paused. ‘A wife.’”

Jacob Whiting reveals he has placed an ad in the newspaper for a wife. The quote clarifies that Jacob is not just looking for someone to cook his meals and raise his children: He desires a partner and someone with whom he can share his life, Suggesting the depths of his loneliness and sadness in the wake of his wife’s death.