Betty Smith’s acclaimed novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, is a poignant exploration of growth, resilience, and survival. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Brooklyn, the narrative follows Francie Nolan, whose journey from childhood to adulthood mirrors the challenges and triumphs of her time. Through the intertwined lives of Francie and her family, Smith delves into themes of strength, education, and the enduring human spirit.

A Bildungsroman of Resilience

At its core, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story centered around Francie Nolan. Francie’s tale unfolds as she navigates the complexities of growing up in a world marked by social and economic challenges. Her experiences are richly drawn from Smith’s own life, imbuing the narrative with a sense of authenticity and intimacy. Much like Smith, Francie struggles to access education, a journey that shapes her identity and future.

The novel underscores Francie’s development through her interactions with her mother’s family, the Rommelys. Her grandmother, an Austrian immigrant, embodies the hardships faced by women, lamenting "that to be ‘born a woman meant a life of humble hardship.’" Despite their fragile appearances, the women in Francie’s life, including her mother Katie and aunts Evy and Sissy, exhibit a quiet strength, characterized by Smith as "thin . . . steel," that propels the family forward.

Strength in the Face of Adversity

The strength of the female characters stands in stark contrast to the men, who often falter under life's pressures. Francie’s father, Johnny Nolan, is depicted as a man undone by his own weaknesses. His love for music and beauty cannot compensate for his lack of responsibility, leading to the family’s struggles. Similarly, Aunt Evy's husband, Willie Flittman, is portrayed as unstable and ineffective, ultimately abandoning his family for a life of performing as a one-man band.

In the Nolan family, survival rests on the shoulders of the women. Katie Nolan endeavors to break the cycle of failure associated with her husband’s family by nurturing her children—Francie and her brother Neeley—with the hope of a brighter future. Katie’s aspirations for her children exceed mere survival; she seeks educational opportunities that promise social and economic advancement. Her ambition and resilience are pivotal in shaping her children's paths and are contrasted with the more selfish motives of her mother-in-law, Mrs. Nolan.

Survival and the Role of Love

The novel’s overarching theme is survival amidst adversity. While some characters struggle to rise above their circumstances, others demonstrate the tenacity needed to thrive. Smith posits that survival requires more than pride and independence; it demands a combination of emotional completeness and nurturing relationships. Love, or the "love instincts" as Smith describes, becomes a crucial element in the characters’ ability to endure.

Francie’s personal journey reflects her longing for a love that is mutually fulfilling. Her relationship with Ben Blake hints at this desire for reciprocity, where not only does she need someone, but someone needs her in return. It is this emotional wholeness that Smith suggests is vital for true prosperity and survival.

Women and "Love Instincts"

While the novel elevates women as pillars of strength, it also critiques those devoid of "love instincts." The school system, as described in the novel, employs women "neurotic by starved love instincts," highlighting the detrimental effects of a life without nurturing relationships. The librarian’s indifference towards children and Francie’s Aunt Sissy's unsettled nature until she has a family of her own further illustrate how the absence of love impacts women’s roles and fulfillment.

Brooklyn: A Crucible of Growth

Brooklyn itself serves as a testing ground for the novel's characters. Its harsh environment, inhabited by...