Surviving the Applewhites

Chaos is a recurring motif throughout the novel, contributing to the humorous tone of the narrative. The Applewhite family, known for their creativity and extravagant personalities, thrives in chaotic situations. Numerous scenes in the book exemplify this chaos, such as when Randolph accidentally crashes into Bernstein’s car in Chapter 7. This incident sparks a flurry of activity, with “Zedediah, Archie, and Lucille [converging] on the bend in the driveway from different directions, all asking questions at once.” Even Hal, from his room, adds to the “the general confusion” (48). The overwhelming chaos reduces Bernstein to tears. In Chapter 13, the cacophony of noise is overwhelming, with The Sound of Music blaring from the living room speakers, accompanied by Hal’s hammering and Sibyl’s white noise machine.

Jake, an outsider to the Applewhite family, is taken aback by the level of disorder that permeates the daily lives of the Applewhites. From being abruptly woken by the noise of an electric coffee grinder to fielding Destiny’s persistent questions about his hair, Jake finds himself constantly immersed in chaos. Even his attempts to escape for a moment of peace are thwarted when he becomes stuck in the mud and discovers ticks on the back of his neck. He reflects that “the ordeal had wrecked the whole idea of sneaking off for a relaxing smoke” (72).

The chaos inherent in the Applewhite family stands in stark contrast to E.D.’s penchant for organization. She initially feels like an outsider within her own family, viewing their disorder with frustration. However, these seemingly opposing characteristics are two sides of the same coin, complementing each other. E.D. uses her organizational skills to effectively plan and ensure the success of the play, while the family’s chaotic creativity adds a unique and vibrant element to the production. In this way, the dichotomy between chaos and organization becomes a harmonious blend that contributes to the family’s dynamic.