"I used to think that I was stuck in this town forever, but now I see that there's so much more out there waiting for me."
This quote speaks to Jemmy's limited worldview and feelings of being trapped in her small-town life. Before meeting Otis and Ann and discovering her passion for art, Jemmy feels she has no options or opportunities beyond her current circumstances. However, through her interactions with Otis and Ann and her exposure to the wider world, she begins to see so much more out there for her to explore and experience. This newfound sense of possibility and hope is a crucial step in Jemmy's journey toward independence and self-discovery.
"My mother was Chippewa, but she's not with us anymore. It's just me, my dad, and my two younger siblings now."
This quote speaks to the loss and absence of Jemmy's mother, and how this has impacted her family dynamic. It also highlights the cultural divide within her family, as her mother was Chippewa and her father is Irish. The loss of her mother is a significant and traumatic event for Jemmy, as she is left without the guidance and support of a maternal figure. This can be especially difficult for Jemmy as she tries to navigate her own identity and cultural heritage, as her mother's Chippewa background is an important part of who she is. The cultural divide between her mother and father can also be a source of tension and conflict within the family, as they come from different cultural backgrounds and may have different values and beliefs.
"I never realized how much I missed school until I had to quit. I loved learning, but I didn't want to be a burden on my family."
This quote speaks to Jemmy's love of learning and her sense of responsibility to her family. Despite enjoying school and wanting to continue her education, she feels like she has to prioritize the needs of her family over her own desires and ambitions. This can be a difficult and sacrificing decision for Jemmy, as she struggles with the balance between her own dreams and the needs of those around her. Jemmy's sense of responsibility and loyalty to her family is a testament to her character and her commitment to taking care of those she loves. However, it can also be a source of conflict and internal struggle, as she grapples with the sacrifices she has to make in order to fulfill her responsibilities. The fact that she misses school and learning once she has to quit also highlights the importance of education and personal growth to Jemmy, and the ways in which it brings her joy and fulfillment.
