33 pages • 1 hour read
S. E. HintonA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
One of the main premises of the book—and of Tex’s life—is that there is always the conundrum of whether to stay in the place in which one grew up or to leave for ostensibly larger vistas and bigger dreams. Typically speaking, the idea of staying in a small town is conflated with limitations and lowered expectations, while the notion of leaving promises greater opportunities and rewards. This belief, however, is not the case for Tex. He often thinks that, wherever it is that promises happiness—whether Garyville, Oklahoma or off to college or in the city—should be considered home. At one point, he disagrees with Mason’s criticisms of Lem’s decision to marry and start a family young, “I didn’t think he was right, because if you were where you wanted to be—even married and a daddy and in Garyville—you weren’t stuck” (113). For Tex, freedom is to be found in hunting and fishing and marrying your sweetheart in the same small town in which you were raised.
From the time the fortune teller reads Tex’s palm at the Fair, her fortune becomes a mantra for him: “Your next year: change. My best advice: Don’t change. Your future: There are people who go, people who stay.
Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By S. E. Hinton
Animals in Literature
View Collection
Brothers & Sisters
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Children's & Teen Books Made into Movies
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fathers
View Collection
Friendship
View Collection
Realistic Fiction (High School)
View Collection
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
View Collection