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117. The Rising
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in With the Fire on High, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Coming of Age and Teen Parenthood
Creativity vs. Professional Norms
Food and Connection
Caregiving, Independence, and Identity
Support, Community, and Mentorship
Summary
Analysis
Emoni is outside the Temple University auditorium after graduation. Babygirl runs her fingers through Emoni’s tassels as ’Buela and Julio take pictures of Emoni, her diploma, and Babygirl. Angelica steps into the frame and soon, ’Buela joins the girls. Malachi steps in behind Emoni and Mr. Jagoda waves Ms. Fuentes into the frame. Chef Ayden comes up behind Malachi and Angelica, and Pretty Leslie finally joins in. Emoni asks if Mr. Jagoda would take a picture so Julio can get in too, and he agrees.
The series of pictures in this passage symbolize Emoni’s journey to accepting help and integrating herself into her community. Everyone who jumps in (and even Mr. Jagoda behind the camera) have, over the course of the novel, come together to support Emoni and push her to be the best she can be. Inviting Julio into the frame, meanwhile, is Emoni’s peace offering to her dad—she’s willing to accept him into her life.
Themes
After everyone is done taking pictures, they all come to Emoni’s house for a feast. Emoni has been putting this meal together for a while now, unsure of why she’s pairing certain flavors. Her food doesn’t call up any memories for her, but she also knows her food is about looking back and honoring her roots. It’s also about looking forward and growing. Now, Emoni knows that she’s ready for the journey ahead, even if she doesn’t know exactly what comes next.
It’s not entirely true that Emoni’s food doesn’t call up memories for her; remember that fried plantains dredge up memories of her first sexual experience. But here, she suggests that in general, food for her helps her conceptualize where she fits into her family and her community. Feeding loved ones is also how Emoni thanks them for their help and support.
Themes
