A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by

Betty Smith

Mattie Mahoney Character Analysis

A local Democratic politician who throws a boat excursion and picnic on the Hudson River for families in which the husband is a registered Democrat. Mahoney provides Francie with her first experience of politics. When she goes to look for Mahoney at the picnic to thank him for the wonderful day he provided, she cannot find him anywhere. A man nearby tells her that Mahoney may not exist at all. Mahoney may be the name that the party gives to whomever leads the organization in a particular year. Mahoney is re-elected on Election Day, much to Francie’s excitement.
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Mattie Mahoney Character Timeline in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The timeline below shows where the character Mattie Mahoney appears in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 24
Gender, Sexuality, and Vulnerability Theme Icon
...They also make a point to woo children, for these are future voters. Therefore, the Mattie Mahoney Association sponsors a boat excursion for children and their parents every summer. Francie is ten... (full context)
Romanticism vs. Pragmatism Theme Icon
A beer keg is next set up. It is “free to all good Democrats.” Mattie Mahoney ’s band then plays songs that champion what a great man Mahoney is. Late in... (full context)
Gender, Sexuality, and Vulnerability Theme Icon
Romanticism vs. Pragmatism Theme Icon
...and picnic, the Democratic organization prepares for Election Day by making shiny white buttons with Mattie Mahoney ’s face on them. They distribute the buttons to the neighborhood children. The children play... (full context)
Romanticism vs. Pragmatism Theme Icon
...as well as a Democratic governor of New York, but all Francie knows is that Mattie Mahoney has kept his seat in office. (full context)