A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

2 Pages 460 Words

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith isn't well known for her many works, but the one book that

almost everyone has heard about, is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In this novel she

shows herself to be an author of great depth and knowledge; she gives us a peek

into the complex human soul. This book gives great insight into life; it shows why

many people strive to become someone better and how some people are able to

move up to a better station in life even though there are tremendous odds and

forces working against them.


A Tree Grows in Brooklyn touches everyone's' hearts. It is about a little

girl, Mary Frances Nolan (also known as Francie), growing up in the poorer part

of Brooklyn with a drunken, singing waiter for a father. This father somehow

always makes her feel so special and "normal". She lives with her severely

realistic mother, her father, and a brother(Neeley) who is privileged as the

“favorite child”. Francie is treated poorly throughout school because she is so

different and independent. Francie always kept to herself and was the silent

studious type, which deepened the division between herself and the other of the

children.


At a very young age Francie learned how important money is as well as the

division in society caused by money as well as education. Because of this division

and Neeley's favoritism, Francie becomes the sole provider for the family after the

her father's death. She goes to work straight after graduation from grade school

and never gets to have the pleasure and luxury of a high school diploma, but that

doesn't stop her from her dreams. Her dreams of moving up in the world, to a

place were you don't have to worry about where your next meal comes from; a

place where money doesn't necessarily make you rich. This may sound like a

ridicules dream considering that today a high school diploma is man...