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
Billie Jo’s teacher, Miss Freeland, is performing in a play called Madame Butterfly. Billie Jo has never heard of the play, but Mad Dog tells her everyone else knows about it. Billie Jo is annoyed Mad Dog knows something she doesn’t and wonders how many other things she doesn’t know.
Although Billie Jo likes Mad Dog, she also views him as her rival. Because she already feels like Mad Dog is a better musician than her, it hurts her to think he might be smarter than her or better read as well.
Themes
