Student Question
How do the main characters, Jaime, Claudia, and Mrs. Frankweiler, evolve throughout the story?
Quick answer:
Jaime and Claudia evolve from being immature and self-centered to appreciating each other's strengths and learning to rely on one another. Initially, Claudia seeks escape, while Jamie is a cheat, hoarding his money. Throughout the story, with Mrs. Frankweiler's guidance, they realize the true value of intangible wealth, like dignity and respect, which cannot be bought. This growth leads them to a deeper understanding of each other and the world.
In the case of both of the siblings, Claudia and Jamie, they go from being rather immature and self-centered to learning to rely on one another and see the value in the other's abilities. When the story begins, Claudia just wants to get away from everything. As for Jamie, in the beginning, he is a cheat...the money he has (and Claudia knows she needs) was won in a dishonest game of cards. Jamie is stingy with his money because he feels it is his, not his sister's, and is reluctant to share it. By the end of the story, and with the help of Mrs. Frankweilier, the children learn to value wealth as an intangible thing. Dignity and respect is something money cannot buy.
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