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Chapter 15
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Skin I’m In, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Bullying and Insecurity
Self-Esteem, Support, and Friendship
Writing and Self-Expression
The Importance of Role Models
Summary
Analysis
Maleeka spends two hours on Saturday morning writing in Akeelma’s journal; she’s shocked that she actually likes doing the work. Her mom also piled chores on her, until Maleeka told her that she had homework to do. She writes in her journal about the rough sea, about being chained together with other slaves, and about being beaten. Akeelma concludes that she will be “strong like the sea and the wind.”
This is a turning point in Maleeka’s journaling. Not only does she draw parallels between herself and Akeelma’s life, but she also uses Akeelma’s words to empower herself to be confident and stand up to the injustice in her life.
Themes
When Maleeka finishes her work, Sweets calls. Maleeka says that she’s going over to Charlese’s later because she has new clothes for Maleeka. Sweets doesn’t say much and hangs up. Maleeka’s mom has her do more chores, and at four p.m., Maleeka finally leaves for Charlese’s house.
Clothes continue to symbolize how Maleeka’s powerful need for acceptance and self-worth. She wants Charlese’s clothes so much so that she abandons a supportive friend for one who continues to bully her.
Themes
At Charlese’s house, there’s loud music playing. JuJu and 10 other people are dancing, and some people are playing along to the music. Maleeka thinks that the party is just starting, but Charlese says it’s finishing from last night. She hasn’t slept; JuJu paid her $400 to clean up and serve food during the party. JuJu hosts parties all the time, and people come from all over to attend. Maleeka thinks that she could never live like this, with strangers in the house all the time. It doesn’t bother Charlese, but when she and Maleeka find a quieter room, she promptly falls asleep.
JuJu’s parties, and her treatment of Charlese, indicate that she’s a poor role model. Charlese is essentially treated like a servant in her own home and is at the beck and call not only of her sister, but also of the guests at the parties. Even though this gives Charlese an income, it doesn’t set a good example for her, as she foregoes success in school and her own well-being in favor of helping JuJu with whatever she needs.
Themes
Suddenly, JuJu yells from downstairs, and Charlese wakes up and runs to her sister. Maleeka realizes that JuJu is only 25, but she’s the only family Charlese has. Maleeka sits and waits for a bit until she finally goes downstairs and sees Charlese running around, letting people in, and handing out drinks. Maleeka walks out the door.
The fact that Charlese doesn’t have anyone looking out for her well-being only underscores her need for a better role model than JuJu. JuJu’s yelling also helps explain some of Charlese’s own anger issues and poor treatment of others, as she is simply mimicking her sister’s behavior.
Themes
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