I love this line because what it means is that if you want something, then you need to find a way to get it on your own. Jeannette and her siblings had to figure out a lot for themselves because their parents weren't always in the best position to provide for the family. I think this line was well written because this is what her father told her when he was getting her to swim on her own. Her dad was constantly losing his job and money was almost all the time an issue so it was up to the kids to find a way to stay fed and to keep themselves entertained and do things on their own. I also really like that this quote can apply to more than just one situation. The way her dad worded it was really nice because it could relate to what they were doing at the time he said it but it could also relate to them any other time too. I like that he talked about "clinging to the side" like you would when you first learn to swim or like you would depend on other people to provide for you. Their parents never really wanted them to rely on anyone else but themselves for anything because they wouldn't always be able to get everything they wanted and when they wanted it.
Great passage to focus on and perfect example of how an author can reveal a theme so directly.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with you about this quote. It is so true. To be able to fully learn how to do something, you can't be babied the entire learning process. Eventually you need to let go and try by yourself. It is like how in elementary school your teaechers help so much to teach you a prepare you for the future, but as you get older they stop holding your hand and tell you to go and figure it out by yourself I like how you summed up the quote and how it relates to life for us.. This book sounds like a very inspirational book with many good quotes and themes. I personally would take great pleasure in reading it.
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