Themes In Ellen Foster Theme

Ellen Foster Themes Kaye Gibbons’ novel, Ellen Foster, was published in 1987. This was the first novel she had written. Ellen Foster chronicles the rough life of a young girl named Ellen. She is faced with the troubles of growing up as an only child with a sick mother, and an abusive, alcoholic father. Throughout the novel, Kaye Gibbons captures her reader’s attention by focusing on tragedy after tragedy in Ellen’s life. The main themes that she elaborates on are race, friendship, loyalty, family, trust, independence, and uncertainty. The first tragedy that Ellen encounters is the death of her mother. She finds her mother after she overdoses on her heart medication. Her mother is the only person who understands the horrible impact …show more content…
Her father has always been reliant on her mother’s obligation to take care of him. Now that he does not have a hot meal to come home to, he does not come home much at all. This suits Ellen as she would much rather spend time alone rather than hiding away from him. She hoards money so that she is able to provide herself with the things that she needs. She makes sure to have all of the amenities that she needs in the house, and food. Taking care of herself is something she becomes accustomed to. If she isn’t hiding away in her room while her father is home, she is sneaking away to visit her best friend, …show more content…
When Starletta is first introduced in the novel, Ellen speaks about her and her momma eat dirt. They are different than other families that Ellen comes in contact with. Although they are not a wealthy family, they are always willing to open their home to Ellen. They provide her with food, and drive her around town to gather things that she needs. Being Ellen’s only friend does not stop her feelings about their race. Ellen says, “As fond as I am of all three of them I do not think I could drink after them” (Gibbons 29). Friendship as a theme is made evident when Ellen depends on a friend when escape from her home is necessary. Her friendship with Starletta helps her find her way through hard times. She remains her only friend after she is removed from the home that her and her father share, and placed into a different home. With every move that she had to make, Starletta was there by her side. Her non-judgmental outlook, and naïve demeanor contributes to her friendship. It is an effortless relationship that Ellen becomes very thankful for once her life spirals out of