Chapter 4 Analysis

Thoughts and Reactions

The “Numbers” section of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is arguably the hardest ridden with emotions. At this stage, the church is outraged because Jeanette has fallen in love with Melanie. I felt deep pain regarding the way Jeanette was treated by all the people she believed she could trust. As a child, Jeanette thought that church people were nice because the church marketed itself as a warm, welcoming place. However, once these people learned that she had done something wrong, they completely cast her out. The quickness with which her surroundings were willing to abandon her was both sad and disappointing to witness.

    I found the exorcism scene particularly shocking. Jeanette's mother intersects with the church people and drags Jeanette to bully her to repentance. At this point in the story, her mother is in full hunt mode because she thinks Jeanette is possessed by some evil spirit. This part of the chapter made me think about how religious institutions abuse their influence to humiliate their followers for acting on their basic instincts. At this point, Jeanette, as a teenager, should be carefree, but the societal systems in place are suffocating and cruel and force her to believe that loving someone is deeply immoral.

    Throughout this part of the novel I developed admiration for Jeanette because of her ability to stay strong. Although scared and alone Jeanette remains strong enough to resist total destruction. She begins to recognize multiple flaws within the church together with its fundamental religious doctrines. This chapter activated deep thoughts about how following individual beliefs leads to family rejection while experiencing social rejection in the community.

Literary Element: Theme

    The major thematic element in this chapter presents a conflict between religious loyalty and personal authentic self-identity. The core conflict during this segment unfolds from Jeanette's fight between her religious beliefs and her intimate attractions. When Jeanette faces interrogation from the church elders the theme of personal identity is showcased. Church elders warn that her actions led her to become a possession of Satan. The church elders view her romantic bond with Melanie as an ultimate sign of evil rather than a natural occurrence. The church enforces strict dogmas which causes Jeanette to decide between living authentically or remaining in their community.

    The most important moment occurs when Jeanette undergoes physical confinement while fasting in order to achieve "cleansing." The literal cage representation in this scene shows religion serves as an imprisoning force. The religious institution with her mother attempt religion-based mind control through creating feelings of guilt and unholiness in her. The use of language through “the demons will not let go easily” enables readers to understand the depth of religious beliefs in that moment.

The chapter marks an essential development because Jeanette begins to separate from the church in reality. Jeanette now understands the church and its followers accept her only when she obeys their instructions. This chapter demonstrates the strong conflict between personal identity and religious expectations which dominates the entire book. At this point Jeanette becomes aware of her inability to alter her identity for the sake of pleasing others.