Thula Brown Analysis

Brown has designed Thula to represent the working class of America, and the self-doubt that once haunted Joe so heavily. Her appearance is tired, sickly to represent how many Americans were feeling at the time, and to show that many still did not have hope for the future. Brown describes her in a manner as well that makes the reader feel resentment towards her even more, and makes her an easier target for the reader to direct their animosity at her for all the pain she has put Joe through. One of the themes shown through this description of Thula appears to be that of despair and gloom that does not seem to want to lift from the country. Just as the economy had begun to rise, the country faced the dust bowls, which threatened to destroy the lives of million. The reason I chose to use this quote is …show more content…
A crew team that rows well becomes a part of the boat. Every person in the boat seems to melt away, and come back as one great force that works in perfect sync with the water and boat. When the boys of Washington achieve this feeling, Joe finally feels free of all of his anxiety, he becomes caught up in the moment with his brothers just as musicians do when playing together. Once again Brown stresses the importance of the team, and not the individual. When a team comes together to accomplish something great things can happen. This theme propels this whole book; it overarches every other theme, and appears in many forms. Whether it be the boys in the boat paddling to victory in Berlin, Charlie, and Joe cutting down the trees, or the trio of Washington boys working the jackhammers. When these teams work together they accomplish great feats that no individual could by himself or herself. I chose this quote, because I believe that it represents the message that a reader should take away from this book, that team work is a thing of beauty, and greatness can be achieved through