Themes: Grief
Grief is a central theme in Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, explored through the protagonist Sal's journey to come to terms with her mother's death. The novel delves into the complexities of grief, denial, and acceptance, as Sal navigates her emotions and learns to understand and cope with her loss. Through her interactions with Phoebe, who faces her own familial challenges, Sal's journey highlights the shared nature of grief and the path to healing.
Sal's urgency to reach Idaho stems from her hope to "reclaim" her mother. Despite knowing her mother is gone, Sal clings to the belief that arriving in Idaho by her mother's birthday could change things. This denial is a common stage of grief, where Sal imagines her mother is merely "away" rather than deceased. Her journey is marked by the struggle to accept the reality of her mother's death, which becomes undeniable only when she sees her mother's tombstone.
The parallel experiences of Sal and Phoebe underscore the theme of grief. Both girls face the absence of their mothers, albeit under different circumstances. Sal's mother died in a bus accident, leaving her with feelings of abandonment and guilt. Phoebe's mother temporarily leaves due to personal turmoil. Through Phoebe's story, Sal is forced to confront her own unresolved emotions. This shared experience allows Sal to empathize with Phoebe and gain insight into her mother's struggles, aiding her journey toward acceptance.
"You can't keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair."
This quote reflects the novel's message about managing grief. Sal learns that while sadness is inevitable, she has the power to prevent it from overwhelming her life. By understanding her mother's choices and empathizing with Phoebe, Sal begins to accept her loss and find peace. The novel suggests that grief is a shared human experience, and through empathy and understanding, healing is possible.
Expert Q&A
In Walk Two Moons, what happened to Sal's mother and what clues infer the ending?
Sal's mother died in a bus accident in Idaho, revealed in Chapter 42. Clues throughout Walk Two Moons hint at this outcome, such as Sal's fear of cars and buses and her confusion about her mother's return. These hints become clear upon a second reading, reflecting Sal's struggle to accept her mother's death and motivating her to help Phoebe find her own mother.
In Walk Two Moons, which character best illustrates the theme as developed through their words and actions?
“Everybody is just walking along concerned with his own problems, his own life, his own worries. And we’re all expecting other people to tune into our own agenda.”
Sal best illustrates the theme of self-concern and expecting others to cater to personal agendas. Consumed by her mother's loss, Sal misjudges others, believing her father is involved with Margaret, who actually shared a bond with her mother. Sal's perspective also affects her understanding of Phoebe's situation, projecting her fears onto Phoebe's belief in her mother's kidnapping. This theme is mirrored in other characters, like Phoebe, who also focuses on her own issues.
Why is Sal afraid of car accidents and death in Walk Two Moons?
Sal's fear of car accidents and death stems from her mother's death in a bus crash. This traumatic experience has deeply affected her, making her particularly anxious about vehicular travel. Throughout the novel, she often prays for safety, especially on the road, due to the sudden and devastating loss she experienced. Her journey with her grandparents to visit her mother's grave further emphasizes these fears.
Why has Sal's dad been crying in "Walk Two Moons"?
Sal's father has been crying because he deeply loves Sal's mother and struggles to adjust to life without her after she left to visit a cousin in Idaho. Despite his desire to help her cope with her sorrow, she cannot find comfort within the family. Sal refuses to accept her mother's absence, leaving her father to manage his grief alone. He often talks to Margaret Cadaver but finds solace in crying privately when Sal is not around.
Did Sal's fears of everyone leaving her come true, and how did this affect her relationships?
Sal's fears that everyone would leave her did not come true, but they significantly affected her relationships. She felt abandoned by her mother and worried her father might leave her as he grew closer to Margaret. This led to jealousy and suspicion towards Margaret. However, Sal eventually realized her fears were unfounded as her father and grandparents remained supportive, and she came to respect Margaret, especially after learning about her role in her mother's last moments.
Exploring the Shared Pain and Secrets of Sal and Phoebe in Walk Two Moons
In Walk Two Moons, Sal and Phoebe share the pain of losing their mothers, which forms a deep bond between them. Both characters keep secrets about their mothers' disappearances, leading to a journey of self-discovery and mutual understanding. Their experiences highlight themes of loss, acceptance, and the importance of empathy in coping with personal grief.
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