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
It has been three years since the last good harvest and everyone in Billie Jo’s family is hungry. Even her pregnant mother is not getting enough to eat. However, they still donate food to people who are less fortunate than they are. Billie Jo’s mother even donates a nightie she made herself for when the baby comes.
Charity is of the utmost importance for Billie Jo’s community. Even when one does not have enough for themselves, one is still expected to help others.
Themes
