Importance of Family in Times of Crisis in Salvage The Bones

Family is a central theme in many works of literature, and "Salvage the Bones" by Jesmyn Ward is no exception. The novel follows the lives of the Batiste family, a poor African American family living in a small town in Mississippi. The novel is set in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, and the storm serves as a backdrop to the family's struggles, both before and after the disaster.

The novel is narrated by Esch, the 14-year-old daughter of the family. She is the second oldest of three siblings and the only girl. Esch and her brothers, Skeetah and Junior, are raised by their mother and father, who are both absent from the household. Their mother is dead and their father is not living with them. They are raised by their oldest brother, Skeetah, and their mother's ghost. Esch is a very strong and determined character who is fiercely protective of her family.

Throughout the novel, Esch reflects on the importance of family. One quote from the novel that highlights the theme of family is: "We are all just bones, trying to find something to keep us together." This quote speaks to the idea that family is the foundation that holds us together and provides us with a sense of belonging and security. Despite the hardships that the Batiste family faces, they are always there for each other and they rely on their shared bond to survive.

The novel also explores the theme of poverty and the ways in which it affects the Batiste family. The family is poor, and they struggle to make ends meet. They live in a small, run-down house, and they have little money to buy food or other necessities. Despite their poverty, they are a close-knit family and they make the best of what they have. They are always there for each other, and they find ways to make things work, even when things are difficult.

Another theme of the novel is race. Esch and her family are African American, and they live in a small town in Mississippi where racism is still a very real problem. They are constantly facing discrimination, and they have to work hard to survive in a society that is often hostile to them. Despite this, they are determined to make a better life for themselves and their family. They are proud of their heritage and they are not willing to let racism defeat them.

The novel is set in the past, but it is still very relevant to our time as it deals with issues of poverty, race, and the impact of natural disasters on communities. The novel is a compelling story that illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of family in times of crisis. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people can find the strength to survive and even flourish, as long as they have the support of their loved ones.

In addition, The philosopher Aristotle once said "The family is the foundation of the state." This quote highlights the importance of the family unit in shaping society and the country. Without strong and healthy families, communities and states cannot prosper.

In conclusion, "Salvage the Bones" by Jesmyn Ward is a striking story that explores the theme of family through the eyes of a young girl named Esch. The novel is set in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, and it deals with issues of poverty, race, and the impact of natural disasters on communities. The novel is a compelling story that illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of family in times of crisis. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people can find the strength to survive and even flourish, as long as they have the support of their loved ones. And it is a novel that still very relevant to our time, it not only showcases the importance of family in times of crisis but also highlights the impact of family on the society as a whole, just like philosopher Aristotle pointed out. It is a great read for readers interested in the themes of family, poverty, race, and the impact of natural disasters on communities, as well as the role of family in shaping the society. The novel's powerful and honest portrayal of the Batiste family's struggles and triumphs makes it a moving and thought-provoking read.