A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Chapter 42 Summary & Analysis

On the last night in June 1916, Francie graduates. When she watches the graduation play, her eyes burn “with unshed tears.” She thinks that her play would’ve been better. When Francie picks up her report card, she sees four “A’s” and one “C minus.” The latter is her English grade. Francie suddenly hates the school and its teachers, especially Miss Garnder. She returns to the classroom with the other girls, who are expecting bouquets of flowers on their desks. Francie knows that hers will be without flowers, but she’s surprised when she sees red roses on her desk, with a note from Johnny, who’s been dead for six months. Aunt Sissy tells her that, a year ago, Johnny gave her two dollars and the card, all written out, asking Sissy to send the flowers on Francie’s graduation day, in case he forgot. Francie cries.

Aunt Sissy takes Francie into the girls’ restroom and instructs her to cry loud and hard to get all of her feelings out. When Francie comes out, she feels better. She says goodbye to teachers and other students, whom she realizes liked her much more than she thought. Francie goes to Miss Garnder’s room. The teacher looks eagerly toward Francie and asks why Francie stopped handing work in. Francie doesn’t reply but holds her hand out for Miss Garnder to shake and says “goodbye.” Miss Garnder insists that Francie will see that she was right. Francie no longer hates Miss Garnder but feels sorry for her. Mr. Jenson shakes hands with everyone and says “goodbye.” To Francie, he instructs her to be good, work hard, and be a credit to her school. She promises that she will.

At home, Francie and Neeley’s diplomas are admired. Francie’s is especially admired, due to Mr. Jenson’s fine handwriting. Neeley turns in a report card of two B’s and C’s in his other subjects. Katie registers surprise at Francie’s “C” in English composition. Francie says that she doesn’t want to talk about it, but Katie doesn’t let the subject rest until Sissy orders her to. They all go out for ice cream.

When it’s time to pay, Katie lets the waiter keep twenty cents in change. Evy protests, but Katie insists they are celebrating. When Albie Seedmore, the son of a prosperous grocer, asks Francie out for a movie, Francie agrees after getting her mother’s nodded consent. Aunt Evy prompts Francie to make a wish on the occasion of her first date. Francie wishes that she can always wear a white dress, hold red roses, and throw money around.