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Chapter 8
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Ella Minnow Pea, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Totalitarianism, Complacency, and Resistance
Freedom of Speech
Betrayal vs. Solidarity
Blind Faith, Reason, and Logic
Summary
Analysis
The day after, Georgeanne Towgate writes to Mittie saying that she was grateful that she went to the “learny-house” to help Timmy. She explains, however, that Timmy has been expelled from Nollop and that Nash went with him. Georgeanne explains that she has stayed to retain their house; she apologizes for reporting Mittie and she asks if Mittie would write to her. She wonders if Mittie is thinking of moving to town, as it is “ghostly silent here.” Two days later, Georgeanne writes again, asking where Mittie is—noting that her house seems empty. Georgeanne wonders if Mittie has left, leaving her completely alone in town.
Dunn illustrates how the language and society continue to dissolve when basic words are taken away: without the word “school,” “learny-house” becomes the only way to communicate that noun. Yet in the midst of this oppression, Dunn again uses Georgeanne’s storyline to demonstrate how betrayals among neighbors ultimately hurt the betrayer just as much as those who are betrayed. Now, it seems this destructive attitude has given way to mutual support and an attempt at solidarity.
Themes
Mittie writes to Tassie, informing her that she has been waiting all “postnoon” to see Tassie at the prison, and that she has been told nothing. Two days later, Nate writes to Mittie at Gwenette’s house, saying that he has stowed away back to Nollop to come rescue Tassie.
Tassie’s arrest is emblematic of how corrupt the government is at this point. Any form of resistance to their actions is met with unjust imprisonment, as the regime’s control over its remaining citizens becomes tighter and tighter.
Themes
The following day, Gwenette writes to Ella explaining that while Ella was trying to visit Tassie, the L.E.B. was sent to interrogate Gwenette, and she grew nervous and spoke an illegal letter. She says that she is about to be transported to the United States and she begs Ella to “Maintain the struggle. In [their] name. In [their] honor.”
Gwenette’s interrogation likewise emphasizes how the government is so corrupt that they are essentially coercing or entrapping their citizens into making mistakes simply so that they can maintain control and assert their power. Even though Gwenette asks Ella to continue to resist, it is clear that this will be a difficult task.
Themes
Tassie writes to Ella from prison, saying that she and Mittie must stop waiting to see her—no one is allowed to visit her. She signs off “Love,” but notes she will no longer be able to do so going forward now that “V” has fallen. She writes, “A new letter goes. So what else is new?”
Dunn once again points out how the substance of a language is deeply affected by the words society is allowed use. Without “V,” the word love—and thus the ability to fully express one’s love—becomes impossible. Additionally, Tassie’s lack of reaction to this news shows how complacency has enabled the Council’s influence to grow to a point where letting go of this valuable letter is almost a non-event.
Themes
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