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 entire school does what they can to help out the homeless family. They eat less at lunch so the family will have meals and bring them supplies, including toys for the children. Billie Jo brings in a few things that were meant for Franklin that he never got to use. The husband’s name is Buddy Williams, and he helps out around the school in his spare time while looking for work elsewhere. On occasion, when the dust is too bad, Buddy and his family sit in the classroom and listen in on Miss Freeland’s lessons.
Again, Billie Jo’s community responds with charity and compassion to those who are less fortunate. Even the children in the region selflessly give up some of their few possessions to the help the Williams family. There is no expectation that Williamses must do something in return, though Buddy does try to provide his services because he is grateful for the support.
Themes
