Grief
The central theme of Cynthia Rylant's Missing May is grief, primarily presented through the lens of twelve-year-old Summer, who experiences the death of her Aunt May. The novel provides an in-depth exploration of how Summer, along with her Uncle Ob, navigate their way through the difficult journey of grief. Each character's method of grieving is unique, and Rylant masterfully portrays these differences as neither right nor wrong but as individual as the people experiencing them. Uncle Ob attempts to seek signs and messages from May in the afterlife, showcasing his struggle with letting go, while Summer tries to accept May's death more rationally. This theme is integral in showcasing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with loss, and the healing process comes gradually and varies from person to person.
Acceptance
An important theme in Missing May is the idea of acceptance. After the loss of May, Summer, and Ob have to learn to accept the change in their lives and find a way to continue without her. Ob, initially, is more resistant to this acceptance, yearning for signs of May's spiritual presence and spending much of his time dwelling in the past. On the other hand, despite her profound grief, Summer manages to exhibit a level of acceptance from the beginning. However, she does struggle with the idea of life moving on, especially as Ob gets caught in his grief. Cletus adds a turning point to this theme, as his perspective helps both Summer and Ob understand the importance of accepting their grief and the fact that life, despite its losses, moves forward. Rylant demonstrates through her characters that acceptance is not about forgetting but about honoring the memories of lost loved ones while continuing to live.
Family
Another significant theme in Missing May is the concept of family and relationships. Summer's relationship with Uncle Ob and the deceased Aunt May underlines the novel's narrative. Summer's bond with them represents a deep, family-like love that exists even without biological ties. The companionship they provide Summer fills the void left by the loss of her parents. Throughout the novel, Rylant emphasizes that family is not only established through blood relations but can also be built upon mutual love, understanding, and care. Moreover, the character of Cletus underscores the importance of friendships and how relationships outside the family can help cope with personal losses. Cletus's quirky but sincere attempts to comfort and distract Summer and Ob provide a fresh perspective on dealing with grief and reinforce the value of friendship during challenging times.
