Homework Journal #5

A) In what way do Jeannette's job at the jewelry store and her interest in journalism allow her independence?

Jeannette's job at the jewelry store brings out the curiosity and want in her. When she wanted one of the watches in the store so badly, she ended up stealing it, but then putting it back later on because she felt bad. She was so curious to try it out that ended up stealing it. This event describes her independence because she didn't even tell anyone that she stole the watch, she kept it for herself. She also shows independence just by having the job, because she so badly wanted to go to New York, and getting the jewelry store job helped her to gain the money to get there. Plus, her interest in journalism sparked her interest in getting a job at the jewelry store, leading her to go to New York. She had heard about New York from her sister, Lori, who had heard if its great wonders from two filmmakers originally living in New York City. Lori had explained that they could get good jobs in New York and pursue their dreams, being independent. Jeannette liked the idea especially since she had already decided leaving home as soon as possible.

B) How does the move to New York symbolize a second turning point in Jeannette's life? Is this another "skedaddle" or a more justifiable move for Jeannette?

Moving to New York really changes Jeannette in that she becomes much more independent. While in Welch, before she left for New York, she was already slowly becoming more and independent, but her parents were still there with her, and she depended on her older sister, Lori, to help her get to New York. Once she arrives at New York, she becomes even more independent than before because her parents weren't there to watch her, and she didn't fully rely on Lori anymore. Jeannette began her own path in life. It changes her life entirely. She starts from a poor girl living on Hobart Street in Welch, to a fairly well-paid independent young lady, living in New York. This move to New York would not be considered another "skedaddle" for Jeannette because she willingly chose to go to New York by herself, and it was not to get away from people that were trying to chase her. Jeannette had a valid reason to go to New York, and she got to follow her dreams in getting to New York. However, in a way, going to New York was a "skedaddle" because it was like an adventure to her, and also she didn't want to live near her parents in Welch anymore. Moving to New York was overall a good choice, and it benefited her greatly. I believe that it was of a more justifiable move for Jeannette, more than a "skedaddle".

C) Why do you think Jeannette's parents choose to continue living on the streets, even after their children are grown?

Jeannette's parents were different, and I think that they really didn't care what happened to them, as long as their children were okay and prosperous. The beginning of the book really made them seem like horrible parents that didn't care for their children at all, but by the time most of the Walls kids moved to New York, the care that the parents really show for the children is shown throughout the parents' time in New York. I believe that the Walls parents really did love their children a lot and wanted the best for them, but really didn't know how to take care of them or how to be a parent. So, after their kids were thriving in New York, I think the parents kind of gave up and came to realize that they couldn't even take care of their kids, much less take care of themselves. They didn't want their kids to have to take on the same burden of taking care of someone and cause trouble for their future lives.

D) Why does Maureen stab Rose Mary? Why does Jeannette apologize, "for everything" in her mind (p. 276)?

Maureen stabs Mary (the mom) because she was angry that her mother was kicking her out of the house and onto the streets, even though her mother was only trying to help her move on a be independent, having a future for herself. However, Maureen didn't know how to be independent, and wanted someone she could depend on. The reason why Jeannette apologizes "for everything" is because she honestly felt bad for what Maureen had to go through, and regretted that she didn't take care of Maureen very well like she had promised her when she was still a baby. She realizes that when Maureen and the other Walls siblings were younger, Maureen would always go to her friend's houses and live with them for a while, so now that Maureen is older, she doesn't really know how to take care of herself. Maureen most of the time relied on someone else to take care of her, not knowing how to be independent. In this way, Jeannette has regret for not helping to take care of Maureen the proper way, like she promised.