Previous
Part 2: Martin, May 1999
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 Pennsylvania, Caitlin begins to realize how different Martin’s life is from hers. She is surprised to learn that chicken is a Christmas meal for him, since she has chicken on weeknights. She wonders what will happen if she sends $40 next time.
One of Caitlin’s biggest obstacles to understanding Martin so far has been her lack of knowledge about his financial situation, and now, with some help from Martin, she begins overcoming that obstacle.
Themes
Caitlin has learned that her friends, like Lauren, don’t understand her relationship with Martin. They tease her about how she should go marry Martin, which offends her because he feels more like a brother to her. In her letters, Caitlin begins to be more direct about asking Martin what he needs, rather than just telling stories about her and her friends at the mall.
Lauren’s teasing of Caitlin seems to be rooted in a fear of the unknown and perhaps even jealousy. Caitlin’s more direct tone in her letter suggests the beginning of a new phase in their relationship, perhaps one where they can be more honest with each other, even on difficult topics.
Themes
