A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by

Betty Smith

Aunt Sissy’s second husband Character Analysis

The actual name of this husband is never revealed. He and Sissy are married for four years and have four stillborn children. This second “John” is not hurt when Sissy leaves him departure. Though he likes her, he is terrified of her “frankness and overwhelming naivete” and finds her too mysterious. Sissy’s second “John” settles in Wisconsin, remarries, and has three children. He divorces Sissy on the grounds of desertion.
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Aunt Sissy’s second husband Character Timeline in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The timeline below shows where the character Aunt Sissy’s second husband appears in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 47
Gender, Sexuality, and Vulnerability Theme Icon
...church. Steve says that, now that she’s widowed from Jim, she can get divorced from the second husband . He then demands that everyone stop calling him “John.” (full context)