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37. School
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
At lunch, Emoni praises Angelica’s latest work, an album cover for a rapper who graduated last year. Angelica insists it’s nothing, but it’s true art. Emoni is certain Angelica is going places—and Emoni will be left behind. Emoni begins to mix her chicken nugget sauces, so Angelica asks what’s wrong; Emoni is clearly upset. Shrugging, Emoni says she’s mad at Julio, ’Buela is seeing the doctor a lot, and she’s not sure what to do about college. They discuss upcoming college admissions deadlines, and then Angelica abruptly asks what Emoni is going to be for Halloween. Emoni realizes she can’t take Babygirl out herself—Halloween is on a day she works—but she should find a costume in case ’Buela wants to take Babygirl. Angelica offers to make Babygirl a costume and as the girls laugh, Emoni’s chest feels a bit lighter.
While the adults in Emoni’s life are making Emoni feel alone and unsupported, Angelica now steps in to fill the gaps they leave. It’s somewhat emotionally taxing for Emoni to boost Angelica’s confidence when she believes that she herself isn’t going to make much of herself, supporting Angelica nevertheless helps Emoni connect with her friend. And Angelica’s clear investment in getting Babygirl dressed up for Halloween also makes Emoni feel more supported. Angelica realizes that these days, Emoni is far more interested in supporting and dressing up Babygirl than herself, so Angelica’s offer makes Emoni feel like she’s doing the right thing.
Themes
