Surviving the Applewhites

“He hated adults making decisions for him and expecting him to just go along with whatever they said.”

This passage introduces the central conflict in Jake’s life: his desire for autonomy and self-determination. Throughout his life, Jake has been expected to go along with the decisions of adults, leading him to adopt a rebellious attitude.

“E.D. didn’t know how she could have been born an Applewhite. She wasn’t anything at all like the rest of them. Even her mother and Aunt Lucille, who were only Applewhites by marriage, were more like them than she was. Applewhites were enormously talented. She was not. Applewhites thrived on chaos. E.D. wanted organization and sense. Applewhites loved spontaneity. E.D. wanted a schedule and a plan she could count on. Applewhites craved freedom. E.D. wanted structure.”

This passage shows how E.D. differs from the rest of her family, introducing the theme of Individuality Versus Conformity. E.D.’s longing for order and structure within a family characterized by spontaneity and chaos underscores her unique individuality. By contrasting her traits with those of the Applewhites, this passage conveys E.D.’s sense of alienation within her family.

“Without creativity and individuality, there would be no scientific discovery. No Galileo, no Newton, no Einstein.”

This quote from Randolph highlights the importance of creativity and individuality. He believes that these qualities are not only crucial in artistic pursuits but also play a vital role in scientific discovery. It is this belief that prompted him to establish the Creative Academy.

“It was one thing to be thought of as the bad kid from the city. It was something else again to be locked up with real ones.”

This quote reflects Jake’s internal conflict regarding his self-perception and societal expectations. While Jake embraces the persona of the “bad kid from the city,” this image doesn’t align with his true self, and he is worried about the potential consequences of his behavior.

“But do you care? Except for this young man here, I doubt that any of you even knows what I’m embarked on. I get absolutely no support from this family—I can’t be expected to keep track of details.”

Sybil is frustrated, as she feels unsupported and misunderstood by her family members. Her statement sheds light on the self-absorption of the Applewhite family, with each member engrossed in their own pursuits. This underscores the importance of community.

“Neither her mother nor Zedediah had said a single word about her to Jeremy Bernstein. Her name hadn’t even been mentioned. She might as well have been in Traybridge with her father! Invisible, that’s what she was. The invisible Applewhite.”

E.D. feels invisible and alienated within her own family—surrounded by individuals with artistic talents and eccentricities, she feels overlooked and unacknowledged. This underscores the theme of Individuality Versus Conformity, as E.D. grapples with carving out her identity within her family.

“Jake stood in the bathroom of Wisteria Cottage, humming abstractedly to himself as he gelled his hair into points. He frowned into the mirror. He’d taken on this look so long ago that he could hardly remember himself any other way. But the truth was he was getting tired of doing this every day.”

This moment marks the beginning of Jake’s metamorphosis, conveying the theme of Personal Growth and Transformation. Jake’s weariness with his appearance signifies a deeper longing for change and the shedding of his rebellious exterior.

“Magnificent, Randolph Applewhite had called his voice. Magnificent.”

Randolph’s sincere praise of Jake’s voice is a validation and recognition of Jake’s potential. This affirmation serves as a catalyst for Jake’s Personal Growth and Transformation, sparking within him a newfound sense of confidence and belief in his artistic abilities. This highlights how community and support can empower individuals to unlock their true potential.

“You, Edith Wharton Applewhite, have talent. Very real, very important talent. Just because somebody like Jeremy Bernstein is obsessed with artists doesn’t mean that artists are the most valuable people in the world. Or that art’s better than everything else human beings do.”

Zedediah’s words convey kindness and understanding. By recognizing E.D.’s unique talent, he underscores the theme of Individuality Versus Conformity, highlighting the importance of celebrating uniqueness and embracing each person’s distinct abilities within a community.

“Never fear, Sybil, there’s a shift in consciousness happening these days all over the world. Unity out of diversity. It’s surely happening in Traybridge, too.”

Lucille’s statement reflects her optimistic worldview and underscores the theme of Individuality Versus Conformity. Lucille suggests that embracing differences can lead to greater harmony and strength. The casting of different ethnicities in the play mirrors the diversity within the Applewhite family and highlights the importance of accepting and celebrating individual uniqueness.

“She hated Jake Semple. Of course this was a better idea than papier-mâché. Why had it never occurred to her to collect caterpillars?”

This passage reveals E.D.’s feelings of rivalry and jealousy toward Jake, fueled by a sense of frustration with herself for not having come up with his idea first. Her reaction underscores her immaturity and failure to grasp The Importance of Family and Community—she rejects collaboration and fails to appreciate the value of collective effort.

“Of course I need you—more than anyone. There’s nobody else in this family even remotely organized enough to handle the job.”

Randolph acknowledges and praises E.D.’s organizational skills, recognizing their importance in ensuring the success of the play. This moment represents a turning point in E.D.’s Personal Growth and Transformation, as she finally feels valued and appreciated for her talents and empowered to embrace her individuality.

“The kid had begun explaining to anyone who would listen that Jake was the ‘bestest brother in the whole wide world.’ Jake had told him and told him that just because he had come to live at Wit’s End it didn’t mean he was Destiny’s brother, but Destiny was impervious to minor details of fact.”

Destiny insists on calling Jake the “bestest brother in the whole wide world,” as the profound bond they share transcends biological ties. This descriptor signifies Jake’s full acceptance into the Applewhite family, marking a significant milestone in his journey of integration and belonging.

“At four-thirty Jake and Destiny were in the schoolroom watching a butterfly chrysalis that had begun moving slightly on the thread that held it to its twig.”

In this scene, the chrysalis represents Jake, who is now undergoing a gradual process of Personal Growth and Transformation. Similar to the chrysalis, Jake is currently in a state of transition, slowly shedding his old self and evolving into a new, transformed individual, much like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon.

“A black swallowtail butterfly fluttered into the dining room, drifting serenely above the chaos.”

The black swallowtail butterfly symbolizes Jake, who often wears black clothing. Its appearance marks the culmination of Jake’s journey of Personal Growth and Transformation. Like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Jake has reached a point of profound transformation and self-discovery. The symbolism suggests that Jake has found his metaphorical wings.

“He’d rather have a musical with good singers canceled than one with lousy singers that actually happens.”

This quote reflects Randolph’s commitment to excellence and artistic integrity. Randolph demonstrates his dedication to maintaining high standards and also suggests a level of stubbornness, as Randolph is unwilling to compromise on his artistic vision.

“All of them, even the invisible Hal, had put their whole selves into this show by now. Not just family, either. Bernstein. Govindaswami. It didn’t matter anymore that it was Randolph’s show, that it was a project nobody else had wanted anything to do with. Everybody was involved in it now.”

This quote underscores The Importance of Family and Community in overcoming challenges and achieving goals. As the Applewhites prepare for the show, they rally together toward a common purpose, with even Hal, who typically isolates himself in his room, joins in the effort. This unity demonstrates the power of collective action, transcending individual interests and differences.

“Govindaswami was the only one entirely unmoved by the news. ‘Aaahhh,’ he said gravely.

‘This will be a good thing. Everything works for the highest good. Always this is so. You will see. The Universe works in mysterious ways.’”

Govindaswami’s reaction to the news of the cancellation of the show stands in stark contrast to the reactions of the Applewhites. While the Applewhites express frustration and anger, Govindaswami remains calm and exhibits a sense of acceptance. This demeanor underscores Govindaswami’s spiritual outlook on life compared to the more emotional reactions of the Applewhites.

“He realized with considerable shock that he didn’t really like the taste smoking left in his mouth, that he’d never liked it.”

This realization is a pivotal moment in Jake’s journey of Personal Growth and Transformation. He starts to question and reassess his behavior and confronts the facade he has been presenting to the world, discovering new insights about himself.

“The show would go on, if it took everyone’s dying breath to make it happen.”

This quote encapsulates the determination of the Applewhite family to ensure the success of the show. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the family is resolute in their commitment to see the production through to the end.

“It was actually beginning to look as if this impossible idea would work. If it did, she would have had a whole lot to do with it, not just because it was her idea in the first place, but because from the moment her father agreed to doing the show in the barn, she had focused everything she had on getting things organized and keeping them that way.”

Here, E.D.’s growth and development are evident. Despite initially feeling like an outsider within her family, E.D. finds validation and recognition through her role in organizing and managing the production. She now feels a sense of pride and accomplishment, emerging as a capable and indispensable member of the Applewhite family.

“Jake was standing there in his usual black T-shirt and black pants. But that was all that was usual about him. Gone was the eyebrow ring, gone were all the earrings. And gone was the scarlet hair. He had a dark brown crew cut now, so short his scalp showed through.”

Jake’s physical transformation represents his Personal Growth and Transformation. The removal of his eyebrow ring, earrings, and scarlet hair signifies a departure from his previous rebellious persona. His new appearance reflects a sense of maturity and a desire to move away from his former self.

“This time as the nuns gathered and she lit their candles, her hand was perfectly steady. It would work. She knew it.”

E.D.’s steady hand as she lights the candles symbolizes her newfound assurance and competence. She approaches her responsibilities with resolve and determination, reflecting her growth and her increasing confidence in her abilities.