Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Out of the Dust, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Nature, Survival, and the Dust Bowl
Poverty, Charity, and Community
Coming of Age
Family and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
In November 1935, the wheat grows well even though there are still some dust storms. Meanwhile, Billie Jo’s father’s pond is thriving and providing nutrients for her mother’s apple trees. Billie Jo lays in the grass around the apple trees, thinking about how Mad Dog will be stopping by soon. Assuming the weather holds, Billie Jo and her father will have a decent harvest.
As November rolls around, things are finally looking up on the farm. The return of the apple trees signals a renewal of vitality in both the farm and Billie Jo herself. Although nothing is certain, this is the most optimistic Billie Jo has been in a long time.
Themes
