Grief

Grief is a major theme of this novel for multiple reasons. The first reason for the theme of grief is because of Plain Kate's loss of her father. Plain Kate has no other family than her father. When her father dies, Plain Kate is not only devastated over this loss, but she finds she has nowhere to go and no one to care for her. This situation only adds to Plain Kate's overwhelming grief.

Grief is something that Plain Kate and Drina have in common. Plain Kate and Drina lost their parents at the same time and now continue to live with the struggle of everyday life without and important person guiding their way. This helps bond the girls in a special way. Grief also impacts Stivo, Drina's father, who continues to grieve over the death of his wife. It is also grief over the death of his...