Grief and Loss
Through the characters, Napolitano investigates the theme of grief and loss. She delves into the depths of their individual experiences, demonstrating how they cope with the pain and sadness. She also looks at the concept of overcoming loss and moving forward. William's grief and loss are explored in depth as he deals with the death of his younger sister, Caroline, and his parents' emotional distance from him. His grief is exacerbated by his injury and the end of his basketball career. While William finds solace in the company of the Padavano sisters, his grief and loss linger and affect his life in unexpected ways. Throughout the novel, the Padavano sisters suffer a variety of losses. They each have their own set of losses, ranging from the death of their father to Julia's potential legal career. They also experience the loss of their close bond as they grow older and separate. The Padavano sisters learn to cope with loss and eventually accept the changes that life brings through their experiences.
Family Love
The novel's central theme is family love. It manifests itself in a variety of ways, including the bond between the Padavano sisters and their parents, their loyalty to one another, and their efforts to support one another during difficult times. It's also reflected in the way William's teammates act as a surrogate family for him, providing him with the love and support he's lacked from his own family. The novel illustrates the power of family love to bring people together, heal hurts, and provide a sense of belonging through these relationships. It also emphasizes how family love can be complicated and messy at times but is ultimately profoundly meaningful.
Identity
The theme of identity can be interpreted in a variety of ways. On the one hand, identity can be viewed as a form of self-expression, a way of defining oneself to the world around us. On the other hand, identity can be viewed as a form of self-protection, a means of shielding ourselves from the outside world. These two interpretations of identity are explored in Ann Napolitano's novel, "Hello Beautiful," through the experiences of William Waters and the Padavano sisters. William's identity is shaped by his isolation and loneliness. Growing up without his sister, Caroline, and any real connection to his parents, he finds solace on the basketball court, turning the game into an outlet for his emotions. When he goes away to college, he is still unable to fully express himself, relying instead on his starting spot on the varsity team to keep him afloat. Only through his interactions with the Padavano sisters is William finally able to confront his inner demons and, as a result, discover his true identity. In contrast, the Padavano sisters represent a different type of identity. Julia, the eldest sister, is ambitious, controlling, and bossy, whereas Sylvie is romantic, bookish, and quiet. Emeline is nurturing and kind, while Cecilia is a budding artist. They form a distinct family unit, and their identities contribute to the definition and strengthening of their bond.
