Chapter 6 Thoughts and Analysis

Thoughts and Reactions

    Chapter 6 of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, titled "Joshua," explores Jeanette’s continued struggle with her identity and her place in the world. In Chapter 6 of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit readers can see Jeanette struggling with her identity while searching for her world position. I felt deep emotions reading this chapter because it revealed how Jeanette developed independence while separation from church finally happened. Reading the text produced both comfort and troubled emotions in me. I was disappointed to witness Jeanette's loneliness yet proud that she was discovering her path. The moment Jeanette came back to her home after being cast out she understood her old circumstances would never accept her again. It was particularly difficult to see how much her mother had rejected her.

     Despite experiencing a lot of trauma, Jeanette desperately seeks maternal love yet, her mother shows her only indifference. Realizing how tough it is to leave behind lifelong familiarity even when it brings nothing but harm made me reflect on her predicament. This section brought me feelings of hope because of certain aspects. Jeanette is developing self-reliance by learning she does not need the church to approve of her happiness. The toughest decisions lead to our maximum growth even though they might be difficult to make. This phase of struggle in Jeanette's life encourages readers because she takes steps to define herself as an individual.

Literary Element: Characters

    The main focus of literary elements in this chapter centers on character development specifically of Jeanette and her mother. The main story focuses on their mother-daughter bond as it shows how individual choice clashes with the constraints of religious orthodoxy. The crucial moment occurs when Jeanette states "You can't change me," which makes her mother respond with "Then I don’t know you." That moment serves as a powerful reveal of how the mother defends her affection only when Jeanette meets her expectations. The character progression of Jeanette becomes essential during this specific chapter. She maintains a constant struggle to maintain harmony between her religious beliefs and her individual identity during the entire book. At this point Jeanette understands that loving herself means rejecting the path that her mother has chosen for her life. The development becomes essential for her because she now picks personal recognition before following church doctrines. The reader sees more clearly the remarkable strength along with the resilience that Jeanette displays at this point.

    Her mother maintains all her past behavior without any indications of transformation. Jeanette's mother continues living by strict religious principles which prevent her from understanding Jeanette as anything else than rebellious. Through their different perspectives the core conflict in the novel becomes evident as Jeanette seeks familial acceptance through love alongside the rules of her austere religious background. In this vital development Jeanette completely separates from her previous existence. She no longer strives for her mother's blessing while beginning to establish her own identity. The chapter stands as one of the most significant emotional sections throughout the entire book because of its critical value.