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 December of 1935, Billie Jo, her father, and Louise are all doing their best to keep moving forward. Conditions are not perfect—Billie Jo’s father’s tractor isn’t working, Billie Jo still isn’t where she wants to be as a pianist, and they do not have much money—but they are doing better than they have in a long time. Billie Jo has learned through her struggles that it is important not to lose hope when things go wrong—otherwise, she would be left with nothing.
Historically, the Dust Bowl ended in 1936, so Billie Jo’s hope for the future is real. Conditions in the Panhandle largely started to improve in the latter half of 1935, though the Great Depression continued until 1939. Of course, Billie Jo does not have this historical perspective, so all she can do is make the most out of what she has.
Themes
Louise is a great help to Billie Jo and her father, and Billie Jo hopes that she will soon move in with them. One day in December, Louise enters the house with a sack of apples, which she puts on a shelf next to Billie Jo’s mother’s book of poetry. The sight makes Billie Jo happy. Occasionally, Billie Jo will watch Louise cleaning up in the kitchen as she plays the piano.
Louise puts apples on the shelf next to the piano, just as Billie Jo’s mother used to do. Although Louise is not a replacement for Billie Jo’s mother, she does fulfill a similar role in Billie Jo’s life. Meanwhile, Billie Jo’s return to playing the piano suggests she is returning to her old self, as music has found its way back into her heart.
Themes
