Loneliness

Loneliness exists on several levels in different characters. It's usually tied into another theme. For Opal, she's lonely because she's moved to a new town and has no friends. As she grows older, she misses having a mother around like her other friends. This abandonment causes her to feel even lonelier because she's unlike other kids.

The Preacher is lonely because he lost the companionship of his wife. His daughter can't take her place and he throws himself into his work. While he and Opal have a friendly relationship, it isn't until the end of the book that he breaks down enough over the loss of her mother that he lets Opal see who he really is.

Otis' loneliness exists because of his enforced reclusiveness. After being arrested and put in jail because of playing his guitar in public, Otis has confined himself to Gertrude's Pets, playing only...