Themes and Characters
While growing up, experiencing a first kiss, and moving are all significant parts of the protagonist's journey, the central theme of Walk Two Moons is the loss of a parent. Sal must come to terms with the fact that her mother will never return to her and her father. During a road trip with her grandparents, retracing her mother's steps to the bus accident and visiting her mother's grave, Sal realizes that she must let go of the hope of reuniting with her mother.
Sal is bewildered by her mother's decision to take the trip that ultimately led to her death. She partly believes that her mother's departure is related to the love or lack thereof between them. However, Sugar's need to leave can be loosely tied to her feeling of being dead to her former self. The story uncovers Sugar's insecurities and her quest to rediscover herself. Mr. Hiddle cherished Sugar, was heartbroken by her departure, and devastated by her death. His unwavering kindness, contrasted with Sugar's behavior, contributed to her feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, Sugar lost an unborn baby, a struggle for Sal as the baby was lost after Sugar had carried Sal from a fall. Sal feels guilty about the baby and doesn't understand why her mother needed another child to love.
The move from the farm to the city pulls Sal away from everything she cherishes but is essential for her father's healing process. Sal is angry with her father because of the move and distances herself as much as possible from his life. Margaret Cadaver, who had become friends with Sugar and is the only survivor of the bus accident, advises Mr. Hiddle to relocate to Euclid. Unaware of the full significance of this friendship, Sal expresses displeasure towards his relationship with Margaret. Over time, Sal begins to understand and appreciate Margaret's role in their lives.
Margaret's brother, Mr. Birkway, is the English teacher, and according to the students, he is far from typical. Mr. Birkway reminds Sal of her own mother and becomes a catalyst for many of the issues that Sal, Phoebe, and other students discuss. Another significant family member is Margaret's mother, Mrs. Partridge, who is blind. It is Mrs. Partridge who leaves the mysterious messages on Phoebe's doorstep, inadvertently connecting to the events occurring in the Winterbottom household.
Sal's new circle of friends starts with Phoebe Winterbottom. Her family "appears" fairly typical, although her mother "works a little too hard" at being the perfect parent, as if compensating for something. The family has certain expectations of Mrs. Winterbottom, often taking her for granted. Their world is upended when an illegitimate son surfaces. Initially, the young man does not reveal his identity, and Phoebe, who tends to exaggerate, perceives him as a lunatic. However, when Phoebe's mother vanishes around the same time this man arrives, Phoebe is almost convinced he is "the lunatic." The young man is connected to Mrs. Winterbottom's disappearance, but not in a malicious way. Phoebe's story intersects with Sal's, with one notable difference—Mrs. Winterbottom returns home.
Another friend Sal makes is Ben; they seem inexplicably drawn to each other, though Sal is unsure about her feelings. As the story progresses, Sal and Ben grow closer, and Sal believes Ben has attempted to kiss her once. Sal uncovers a secret about Ben's mother, which she relates to because of similarities with her own mother. Their bond strengthens as they share their first kiss.
Sal's grandparents are crucial to her journey. They are loving and sweet, but a bit eccentric. Gram and Gramps adore Sal and are delighted to take her on a trip to Idaho. They are attuned to Sal's need to come to terms with her mother's death, though they seem unaffected by the emotional weight Sal carries on the journey. Their lightheartedness is evident through amusing anecdotes about their life together that "slip out" during the trip. As Sal confronts her mother's death by revisiting the bus accident site, Gramps must also face the loss of Gram. Ultimately, Sal draws strength from her family and their shared bond forged through their losses.
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