Themes: Family and Belonging
As Bud searches for his purported father, he experiences different—and ever kinder—versions of family that help him develop his sense of belonging. Under the strict rules of the orphanage, he develops a defensive sense of self, taking on the persona of the savvy, wise kid who can outwit anybody if he sticks to his own set of rules for survival. Once out of the orphanage, he enouncters a number of families: the Amos family, where he feels like an at-risk outsider; his “pretend family,” who take him in at the Mission so he doesn’t miss the meal he arrived late for; the people at Hooverville, who are glad to feed and house him in exchange for some dishwashing; and the warm, generous Lewis/Sleet family, who make him feel like an old friend. By the time he joins the band and develops a rapport with Miss Thomas, Bud feels that he has found a family he truly belongs to.
Despite his cynicism about adults and the world at large, Bud is also deeply sentimental about the objects he carries in his suitcase that belonged to his mother, Angela. This thread of sentimentality, the audience eventually discovers, is woven through the different generations of his lineage: Bud treasures the objects left behind by his mother, just as she treasured the objects that reminded her of her father. Her father, Herman E. Caldwell, too, shows this same sentimental side. Even years after Angela becomes estranged, Herman is still collecting and labeling rocks for her collection, and her childhood bedroom remains preserved as it was years ago.
Expert Q&A
In Bud, Not Buddy, what are Bud's feelings toward foster homes?
Bud feels negatively about foster homes due to past experiences of abuse and mistreatment. Although he is accustomed to the sadness of leaving the orphanage, Bud prefers it over foster homes. He anticipates conflict and suffering in these placements, as illustrated by his experiences with the Amos family. Bud's expectations of mistreatment make him wary and distrustful of foster care, reinforcing a bleak view of such environments.
What does Deza tell Bud about the family sitting away from the group?
Deza tells Bud that the white family sitting away from the group at the Hooverville had been invited to join the main fire and were offered food and blankets, but the man declined, saying, "Thank you very much, but we're white people. We ain't in need of a handout." This response highlights the man's prejudiced beliefs, as he refuses assistance from African Americans despite their dire situation.
Why did Bud want to meet his father in Bud, Not Buddy?
Bud wants to meet his father because he is an orphan during the Depression, seeking stability and family. After losing his mother at six, he holds onto items she left, including flyers of Herman E. Calloway, whom he believes is his father. Bud hopes that finding Herman will provide a loving relationship and a permanent home, ending his cycle of foster homes and homelessness.
The treatment of Bud by Miss Thomas and other band members in "Bud, Not Buddy."
In "Bud, Not Buddy," Miss Thomas and the band members treat Bud with kindness and respect. They provide him with a sense of belonging and family, contrasting sharply with his previous experiences in foster care and orphanages. Their supportive and caring attitude helps Bud feel valued and accepted.
The theme of family in "Bud, Not Buddy"
In "Bud, Not Buddy," the theme of family is central. Bud searches for his father after his mother's death, highlighting the importance of belonging and connection. His journey illustrates that family is not just about blood relations but also about the bonds formed with those who care for and support you.
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