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Chapter 66
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Between Shades of Gray, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice
Strength and Identity
The Power of Art
Genocide
Women and Mothers
Summary
Analysis
The deportees are transported through a dark forest until they arrive at Us Kut, on the River Lena. They must wait for barges in makeshift tents as it rains. After two weeks, they are put on barges. Jonas wonders if they really are going to America, but Lina still doesn’t want to leave Kostas behind. In a flashback, Lina recalls Joana telling her about fashionable universities in America. Lina says she doesn’t care much for America, because she can’t name a single accomplished American artist. Back on the barge, Lina draws the bald man despite his complaining. She asks him why he was deported, and he says it’s none of her business. He also says she’ll never be a famous artist, but Janina insists that she will be.
Art has been one of the main things that has kept Lina going throughout her deportation. In times of war, funding for things such as the arts and humanities are often cut, since they are seen as frivolous and anti-utilitarian. However, they provide much needed support and methods of expression for people, especially in times of suffering and sadness. For Lina, her goal is not to be a famous artist (though she would doubtless love to know that would be her future). Rather, she loves art for its ability to move her, and for her ability to move others.
Themes
