Themes and Characters
Clari, at the heart of the story, stands as a spirited thirteen-year-old with a fiercely independent streak. Initially, she appears so caught up in her own world that the wise counsel of others falls on deaf ears. Her father’s warning not to climb over Mrs. Murphy’s fence—a shortcut home—is promptly ignored. And when she's inevitably caught, her father sternly advises, "Don't climb over the fence!" Yet Clari distills her own takeaway: "Stay clear of Mrs. Murphy! The old lady was trouble." Blaming Mrs. Murphy for her own misstep, she dismisses her as a chronic complainer: "Mrs. Murphy was a grouch who complained about everything." Clari's schemes to sway her parents don’t paint her in a better light and potentially complicate her life further:
"I really work up a sweat going the long way. But . . . if you'd rather do more laundry."
"Don't worry about the laundry. I'll handle it. Or better yet, you can wash your own clothes."
Clari's attempts to twist every situation to her liking might be ordinary, yet such a trait is not one to treasure, whether in youth or adulthood, as its unchecked application can wreak havoc on personal, familial, and societal levels.
Like any other, Clari is a mix of admirable and less commendable traits. However, the devastating arrival of Hurricane Andrew awakens her better nature. A truly selfish or cruel person would leave Mrs. Murphy’s cat, Midnight, to its fate, but Clari, driven by compassion, does not. Her concern for the cat surpasses her disdain for Mrs. Murphy. Additionally, she dutifully follows her parents' guidance as they brace for the hurricane, acknowledging their seasoned wisdom about such tempests. Clari even assists her father in securing Mrs. Murphy’s windows to shield them from the elements. These actions reveal Clari's growing maturity—her capacity to value life beyond her own (the cat), her recognition of the lessons her elders can impart (the preparations), and her ability to transcend petty grievances to meet the needs of others.
Mrs. Murphy's Composure
Mrs. Murphy, too, undergoes a transformation. Initially perceived as a cantankerous, set-in-her-ways woman, she experiences growth. Despite Clari damaging her fence, her father's appraisal of Mrs. Murphy is that she’s temperamental. He jokingly wonders what would be worse: the hurricane or the ensuing storm Mrs. Murphy would create if taken into their home. He notes, "I think Mrs. Murphy is too stubborn to ask her neighbors for help!" She seems like the kind of adult someone like Clari would find exasperating. Yet, Bernardo, the author, skillfully enriches Mrs. Murphy’s characterization, affording her redeeming qualities that paint her as more than a simple antagonist for Clari. Essential to this development is her determination to take Midnight with her as she boards the evacuation van:
"You can't bring pets to the shelter," the driver shouted into the wind. He raised his hands and waved them in warning.
"I've got to bring her! She'll be very quiet on my lap!" Mrs. Murphy's cracking voice sounded like a loud cry.
"I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to bring a pet in the van. They won't allow her in the shelter, either. Those are the rules," the man said, shaking his head.
"Oh, please." Mrs. Murphy seemed ready to cry. Clari felt sorry for her. "I can't leave her in the house alone!"
Here, Mrs. Murphy transcends her image as a cranky old woman, revealing a tender vulnerability and the ability to care deeply. Clari’s delayed understanding forms a bridge of sympathy, signaling her emotional growth as she moves beyond self-focus to share in another’s distress. Mrs. Murphy, too, experiences an evolution...
(This entire section contains 1240 words.)
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in her character, acknowledging the kindness of her neighbors and devising a solution to mend her relationship with Clari:
"I wonder if you can help me install a gate for Clari." Mrs. Murphy smiled back when Clari stole a glance at her. "It's a long walk around the block for such a nice girl."
The Martinez Family
In "Hurricane Friends," Clari's parents, Papi and Mami Martinez, stand out as pivotal figures. Balancing work with shared household responsibilities, Papi often has dinner ready by the time his wife returns home, only to leave for his night shift shortly after. As immigrants carving out a new life in America, they work hard to improve their English, largely practicing at work while speaking Spanish at home. Though their family dynamic is sketched with brevity, their actions reveal a harmonious collaboration. Papi, the disciplinarian, sends Clari to her room when she antagonizes Mrs. Murphy yet again. Clari’s attempt to play her parents against each other backfires as Mami staunchly supports Papi's decision. When the hurricane looms, Papi and Mami operate seamlessly, understanding each other's actions with little need for words. They extend their help to Mrs. Murphy without hesitation and know their daughter well enough to involve her in the crucial tasks, comprehending why she cared for Mrs. Murphy’s cat. Imperfect they may be, they embody strong leadership, modeling respect for one another and concern for their neighbors, setting the standards of behavior they wish Clari to emulate.
Neighborliness Amidst the Storm
"Hurricane Friends" weaves a tale where richly crafted characters stand at the forefront, overshadowing any other narrative structure, yet it anchors on a compelling theme of neighborly bonds. This theme breathes new life into the story, carving a unique niche in the realm of young adult literature. Clari's initial indifference towards Mrs. Murphy sets the stage for this exploration, but it is Hurricane Andrew's arrival that truly unfurls its depths. Papi and Mami exemplify the embodiment of good neighbors. Initially, their lesson is minor, reprimanding Clari for crossing into Mrs. Murphy's yard. However, as the tempest looms closer, they illuminate that true neighborliness demands proactive deeds, not mere reactions. In a moment of choice, Papi opts to shield Mrs. Murphy's possessions, sacrificing his protective board for her window, instead of his own bathroom's. Even when the catastrophe shatters his exposed window, Papi remains resolute in his conviction, as do Mami and even Clari, confident in their decision to prioritize community over self-interest.
The tension between Mrs. Murphy and Clari further accentuates the theme of neighborliness. Assisting a friendly, amiable neighbor might seem easy, but the Martinezes reveal that charm is not a prerequisite for offering aid. Despite Mrs. Murphy's cantankerous demeanor, her incapacity to fend for herself is met by the Martinezes' robust support, fulfilling the demands of kind hearts and communal duty. In turn, Mrs. Murphy reciprocates by taking steps to mend the rift with the Martinezes, unveiling her own spirit of neighborliness.
Family Unity in the Face of Adversity
The narrative also delves into another pivotal theme more familiar within young adult fiction: the unity of family. "Hurricanes aren't to be trifled with. This one's a beast," Papi proclaims as he rallies his family to brace for the impending storm. This collective endeavor against a shared adversary showcases familial solidarity, uniting kin toward a common purpose. Yet, the theme extends beyond this. When the tree breaches their bathroom window, and the fierce wind storms through their home, showering them with leaves and rain, the family's response is immediate, comforting and shielding one another. Clari's momentary panic is soothed first by her mother's embrace, then by her father's reassurance. Her active participation in safeguarding the bathroom underscores how family collaboration in perilous times offers solace and strength to each member.
