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Chapter 24, Kennedy
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Small Great Things, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Racism: Hate, Fear, and Grief
Institutional Racism
Belonging and Community
Family and Shared Humanity
The Justice System and the Politics of Speech
Summary
Analysis
When Ruth gets home, Edison isn't there. She wonders if she's actually the villain for thinking that Davis would grow up to be a monster. She also thinks that she doesn't regret what she said to Kennedy. Adisa bursts in and brushes off Ruth's worries about Edison. Suddenly, Ruth realizes that she's lost control of her future. Adisa comforts her and then pulls Mama's scarf out of her pocket and gives it to Ruth.
By giving Ruth Mama's scarf, Adisa reminds Ruth of her family and her greater community. Now, Ruth can use Mama's scarf to feel close to her as she moves forward with the trial.
Themes
Edison returns after midnight, carrying a knapsack. He looks wild and locks himself in his room. Ruth falls asleep on the couch and dreams about Mama's funeral again. This time, Ruth sees herself in the coffin. She jerks awake to the sound of knocks on the door. Police flood Ruth's house and yell for Edison. They drag him to the floor to arrest him for a felony hate crime. Ruth immediately calls Kennedy.
When Ruth calls Kennedy as soon as the police leave, it suggests that her relationship with Kennedy wasn't entirely damaged by what happened in court earlier. She still trusts Kennedy enough to ask for help, especially since the two women have bonded most over being mothers.
Themes
