A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is a timeless coming-of-age novel that captivates readers with its vivid imagery and use of literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and foreshadowing. Through the eyes of young protagonist Francie Nolan, the novel explores themes of poverty, family, and the power of education. Betty Smith’s masterful storytelling transports readers to the tenement slums of Brooklyn in the early 1900s, where they will witness the struggles and triumphs of a young girl determined to succeed despite the odds stacked against her.

Themes 📚

1. Poverty – The novel depicts the struggles of a poor family living in the tenement slums of Brooklyn. The Nolan family faces constant financial hardship, struggling to put food on the table and pay the rent. They must find creative ways to survive, such as collecting junk to sell for extra money.
2. Family – Family is a central theme in the novel, as Francie Nolan and her brother Neeley grow up in a close-knit family with their parents and grandparents. The Nolans rely on each other for emotional support and work together to overcome their struggles.
3. Education – Education is a powerful force in the novel, as Francie uses her love of reading and writing to escape the poverty of her surroundings. She is determined to get an education and improve her life, despite the obstacles she faces.
4. Growing up – The novel follows Francie as she grows from a young girl into a young woman. She experiences the joys and pains of adolescence, such as her first crush and her struggles with her changing body.
5. Hope and perseverance – Despite the challenges she faces, Francie remains hopeful and perseveres through adversity. She learns to find joy in the simple things and never gives up on her dreams, even when they seem out of reach.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism – Smith uses symbolism to represent abstract concepts, such as the tree that grows in the Nolan’s backyard, which symbolizes the family’s resilience and ability to thrive despite their challenging circumstances.
2. Metaphor – The author uses metaphor to create vivid and memorable descriptions, such as when Francie describes the summer as a “time of ripening that gave an intensity to life.”
3. Foreshadowing – Foreshadowing is used to create tension and anticipation, such as when Francie’s father talks about his love for his children and his fear of dying, hinting at his eventual death later in the novel.
4. Imagery – Smith uses imagery to create sensory details that transport readers into the setting and immerse them in the story. For example, she describes the smells of the tenement buildings and the sound of the elevated train passing by.
5. Flashback – The author uses flashbacks to give readers a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. For example, we learn about Francie’s father’s experiences in the war through his flashbacks.
6. Allusion – Smith uses allusions to other works of literature and historical events to give context and meaning to her story. For example, she references the story of King Midas and the Great Depression.
7. Irony – The author uses irony to create contrast and highlight the absurdity of certain situations, such as when Francie’s father dies on Christmas Day, a day that is supposed to be filled with joy and celebration.
8. Personification – Smith uses personification to give human qualities to non-human things, such as when she describes the wind as “laughing and flinging itself recklessly against the face of the world.”
9. Repetition – Repetition is used to emphasize important ideas and themes, such as the recurring phrase “always waiting for something better.”
10. Implied meaning – The author uses implied meaning to create a deeper layer of meaning beneath the surface of the story. For example, when Francie’s mother says that they are “Nolans all the way back to the Flood,” she is implying that the family has a long history of hardship and survival.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Tree of Heaven	The Tree of Heaven, a hardy tree that grows in the poorest conditions, symbolizes resilience and the ability to survive against all odds, much like Francie.
The tin-can bank	The tin-can bank symbolizes hope and the family’s dream of owning land someday.
Books and Education	Books and education symbolize Francie’s escape from poverty and her path to a better life.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Johnny’s alcoholism and health issues	Johnny’s struggles foreshadow his early death.
Katie’s determination to educate her children	Katie’s insistence on education foreshadows Francie’s eventual escape from poverty.
Francie’s fascination with writing	Francie’s love for writing and storytelling foreshadows her future as a writer.

3. Flashback

Example	Explanation
Katie and Johnny’s early relationship	Flashbacks to Katie and Johnny’s early relationship provide context for their current dynamics and challenges.
Francie’s memories of her father	Francie’s memories of her father provide insight into their close relationship and her deep affection for him.
The history of the Nolan family	Flashbacks to the history of the Nolan family provide context for their current struggles and aspirations.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Francie’s love for her alcoholic father	Despite Johnny’s flaws and irresponsibility, Francie adores him, while she has a more complicated relationship with her hardworking, responsible mother.
The Tree of Heaven	The Tree of Heaven, which is usually considered a nuisance and unwanted, is cherished by Francie as a symbol of hope and resilience.
The disparity between Francie’s school experience and her home life	Francie’s school represents a world of opportunity and learning, yet it is indifferent and even cruel to her – a contrast to her loving, if impoverished, home.

5. Simile

Example	Explanation
Francie’s feelings are often “like the old songs her father sings”	This simile connects Francie’s emotional experiences to the poignant Irish ballads her father sings, indicating a depth of feeling and nostalgia.
Francie’s anticipation for reading is “like an explorer looking over new lands”	This simile emphasizes Francie’s eagerness and curiosity when it comes to learning.
Francie describes her teacher’s indifference as “like a cold wind”	This simile conveys the chill of neglect and the lack of warmth in her school environment.

FAQs 💭