Analyizing Character
Mrs. Kelby VS Miss Freeland
The two women that influence Billie Jo the most are her mother and Miss. Freeland. Billie Jo's mother influences her, because she wants what is best for her, and she cares about her daughters education. Billie Jo's mother discourages her on focusing too much of her life on piano and not her education. On the other hand, Billie Jo's teacher, Miss Freeland influences her, because she wants her to be happy by playing piano, and she supports her with her decision of playing piano and think that she will have a bright future. The most significant character in the story is Polly, Billie Jo's mother, because even though she did not support what her daughter really wanted to do, she wanted to make sure that if she somehow doesn't make it into the music business she would have a second source of supporting herself in the future.
Billie Jo's father compare and contrast
Billie Jo met a man in a boxcar who left his family, because he was not able to support them during the Dust Bowl. The person Billie Jo meets in the boxcar influences her, because his story about him leaving his family made Billie Jo understand how important family is and how you should never leave them behind. She realizes that it was wrong to leave, and walks back home. The man in the boxcar is completely different from Billie Jo's father, because her father tried to keep Billie Jo safe after Ma died, and he tried his best to overcome the dust. The man in the boxcar left his family and kept trying to run away from his problems. At the end of the novel, Billie Jo and her father both learn how to accept the Dust Bowl. Billie Jo continues to play piano and they bond during their walk home.