Essay Questions

What might Jemmy's name mean and represent in the book?

Jemmy's full name is Gemstone Opal Stott. A gemstone is something of great value, and that is what Jemmy is: of great value. However, she doesn't see this herself, and she thinks she her worth is very low, and follows her fathers demand she drop out of school. However, she learns about her worth later in the book, even though it has been there all along.

How does art help Jemmy develop as a human being?

Jemmy discovers art - something her hearts yearns and longs for, and something she genuinely loves. Through Otis, the world as she knows it is expanded, and she understands that there is a lot more to life than she knew before. She has, for the first time, something to strive for, and is by that able to stand up for herself against anyone that would come against her.

Why does Jemmy have to drop out of school?

Jemmy's father makes her drop out of school, as Jemmy's mother died. Jemmy's mother was the one that took care of everyone in the household, while Jemmy's father was drunk. Jemmy hates school, and feels different from her peers. Therefore, she doesn't fight her fathers demands when she is told she has to leave.