A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by

Betty Smith

Aunt Sissy’s first husband, or “John,” whom she agrees to marry after he wins a fist-fight with her father Thomas Rommely. A fireman who later dies in a blaze, a newspaper report identifies Sissy as his widow—meaning Sissy never divorced him. This “John” leaves Sissy his pension and places her in charge of his funeral arrangements, to Steve’s outrage.
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Jim Character Timeline in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The timeline below shows where the character Jim appears in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 38
Gender, Sexuality, and Vulnerability Theme Icon
During a private conversation with her husband, Mae tells Jim that it won’t work out with Neeley and Francie. They look into each other’s eyes... (full context)
Chapter 47
Gender, Sexuality, and Vulnerability Theme Icon
...creates a minor sensation in the family when everyone finds out that her first husband, Jim, died in a blaze. The newspaper declares Sissy his widow and she gets his pension.... (full context)