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Part 1: Caitlin, October 1997
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in I Will Always Write Back, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Kindness and Generosity
Friendship
Family
Education
Summary
Analysis
In Zimbabwe, Mrs. Jarai announces that Martin is the first student in his class to receive a response from his pen pal. He carefully opens his letter and is shocked to see a photo come out (since photos are rare and expensive in Zimbabwe). He is also surprised how blond she looks.
Although Martin is very excited by the letter, he worries when he sees that Caitlin wants a photo of him in return, since getting a photo could be difficult for him. On top of that, Mrs. Jarai tells Martin that the school can no longer afford to pay for letters (since stamps have become expensive under inflation).
While Caitlin’s photo helps connect her with Martin, it also highlights one of the biggest cultural misunderstandings between them. When Caitlin asks Martin for a photo, she doesn’t realize that this request will actually be very difficult for Martin to fulfill. Martin doesn’t want to let Caitlin down—she has put him in an awkward position.
Themes
Every two weeks, Martin’s mother sends him to pick up Martin’s father’s paycheck, so that his father doesn’t have the chance to spend it on Chibuku (a cheap alcoholic beverage made from sorghum or maize). Martin likes this task and is fascinated by the people in the paper mill where his father works.
Martin’s situation with his father contrasts with Caitlin’s. Whereas Caitlin can just wait at home for her father to come back from work, assured that he’ll have more than enough money to provide for them, Martin must actively go to his father’s workplace to make sure that the whole family will have enough money to spend on food.
Themes
One day at the paper mill, Martin’s father introduces Martin to Stephen Mutandwa, the head of human resources. Martin is fascinated by Mr. Mutandwa, who wears a suit, uses a computer, and owns a pickup truck. He asks Mr. Mutandwa how he can become like him, and Mr. Mutandwa says he went to university.
Martin hasn’t been exposed to many wealthy people in his life, so even though Mr. Mutandwa might not be considered wealthy by the standards of the United States, he still helps Martin learn about other ways of living.
Themes
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When Martin gets home after school on the day he receives Caitlin’s letter, Martin’s mother and Martin’s father are both surprised at Caitlin’s picture and find her very pretty. Martin puts Caitlin’s photo on his wall, next to a poster of Hulk Hogan.
When Martin puts Caitlin’s photo next to Hulk Hogan’s, it is meant to suggest that his understanding about the United States is comically small, but also that it is slowly growing and becoming more realistic.
Themes
Martin explains to his mother his problem about how Caitlin wants a photograph of him. Hiring a photographer would cost as much as a week’s worth of food. Martin’s mother, however, remembers earlier when Martin won a school award and a photographer was present for the event. It was the only time Martin ever had his photo taken and the only photo that Martin’s family owns. Martin’s mom gives him the photo as well as enough money to pay for stamps.
For Martin, getting a photograph is more difficult than Caitlin could have ever imagined. Still, Martin’s family realizes that his relationship with his pen pal could help him learn and help open up new opportunities for him, so they use what little they have to help Martin get the photo. It is a staged photo from a school event, showing how at this early stage of the relationship, Martin isn’t able to show Caitlin a more natural side of himself yet.
Themes
Martin writes a new letter to send with his photo. He tells Caitlin his birthday (March 9), apologizes for the delay on his photo, and promises to send a better picture next time. He adds that he hopes their friendship will stay strong forever.
Despite all the trouble he went through to get the photograph, Martin doesn’t want to complain to Caitlin. Because he doesn’t know her very well yet, he keeps his tone polite and positive.
Themes
