Chapter 8

Summary

In this chapter, more information is given on the family of Francie's father. Johnny's parents, Ruthie and Mickey Nolan, had four children. All the Nolan males are handsome and well-dressed men and good dancers and musicians. Unfortunately, they all die before they are thirty-five, except for Johnny. Ruthie never forgives Katie for taking Johnny away from her.

Francie has many of the characteristics of the Rommelys and the Nolans. Additionally, she has developed her own traits, especially her great love of books and her keen sense of observation.

In this chapter, a description of Johnny's family is given. Johnny and his brothers were handsome and well dressed; they were also musically talented. As a result, they had no trouble attracting females, but all of them chose to marry strong women, similar to their mother, Ruthie. Francie realizes that her own mother is the stronger of her parents; but she is attracted to her father because of his good looks and stylish dress. He is also a warmer person than Katie.

Although Francie possesses many of the traits from both sides of her family, she has also developed her own strengths; the additional characteristics that make her unique also cause her to outshine the other family members.

Table of Contents | Printable Version