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 father takes a loan out from the government, which promises he will not have to pay anything back if his crops fail. For the time being, it is enough to keep him going. However, he has held on to the letter from Aunt Ellis, much to Billie Jo’s chagrin.
The loan ensures that Billie Jo and her father will survive another year, though after that the future is uncertain. They both know as much, which is why Billie Jo’s father holds on to the letter and the opportunity to perhaps send Billie Jo elsewhere, where she might have a chance at a better future.
Themes
