Previous
73. On Ice
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
Malachi leans down to hug a tiny woman he calls Auntie Jordyn. He introduces Angelica, Laura, Emoni, and Emma, and Auntie Jordyn smiles. Malachi clearly inherited his smile from her side of the family. Then, Auntie Jordyn turns to Emoni and says she’s glad to meet her, since Malachi talks about her all the time. With this, she ushers the group inside. Emoni’s heart twists—Malachi talks about her?—but soon, she’s caught up in the music, the lights, and the skaters. At one point, when Babygirl is on Angelica’s lap, Malachi tells Emoni to smile and takes her hand. He says what’s happening between them is “the greatest show on earth.”
Meeting Auntie Jordyn is emotional for Emoni, as she makes it abundantly clear that Malachi really likes Emoni and isn’t afraid to tell people about her. This is in sharp contrast to Emoni’s relative secrecy when it comes to Malachi; she’s only been as open with ’Buela about him as she felt was strictly necessary. His openness helps Emoni feel better about letting him take her hand and remind her that while they’re here to see Disney On Ice, they can also find joy in the relationship forming between them.
Themes
