A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | Betty Smith | Cliff Note Books

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is a semi-autobiographical novel by Betty Smith, published in 1943. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the coming-of-age journey of Francie Nolan, a young girl growing up in a poverty-stricken Irish-American family in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.

The novel explores themes of poverty, family dynamics, resilience, and the pursuit of education. Here is a summary of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”:

The novel begins with a portrayal of the Nolan family’s challenging life in Brooklyn. Johnny Nolan, the charismatic but flawed father, is a singing waiter who struggles with alcoholism. Katie, the strong and hardworking mother, takes on multiple jobs to provide for her children, Francie and Neeley. Despite their hardships, the Nolans instill in their children a love for education and the importance of dreams.

Francie, the protagonist, is an intelligent and observant girl who finds solace in reading and writing. She navigates the complexities of her environment, including encounters with poverty, prejudice, and loss. Francie learns about the harsh realities of life but also discovers the beauty and resilience that exist within her community.

As Francie grows older, she encounters various characters who shape her perspective, including her Aunt Sissy, a free-spirited and compassionate woman, and her teacher, Miss Tynmore, who recognizes her potential. Francie’s love for learning and writing grows, and she becomes determined to overcome the obstacles in her path.

Throughout the novel, Francie faces personal challenges and experiences the complexities of relationships. She witnesses her father’s struggles with alcoholism, endures the death of loved ones, and grapples with her evolving feelings toward her parents and her desire for a better future. Francie’s resilience and determination drive her to pursue her dreams and break free from the limitations of her circumstances.

As the story unfolds, Francie’s journey toward self-discovery and education becomes a symbol of hope and growth. The novel explores the power of imagination, the importance of family bonds, and the indomitable spirit of individuals striving for a better life.

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of the human experience, capturing the challenges, dreams, and triumphs of a young girl navigating the complexities of poverty and forging her own path toward a brighter future.

QUOTES FROM A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.”
“People always think that happiness is a faraway thing… But, you know, happiness is right here… within reach of everybody.”
“The world was hers for the reading.”
“The one tree in Francie’s yard was neither a pine nor a hemlock. It had pointed leaves which grew along green switches which radiated from the bough and made a tree which looked like a lot of opened green umbrellas.”
“The one tree that Francie could claim as her own was a ‘Tree of Heaven’ that grew in the vacant lot next door… Tree of Heaven is a tree that grows in Brooklyn. It grows out of cement.”
“The child must have a valuable thing which is called imagination. The child must have a secret world in which live things that never were.”
“She wasn’t afraid of the darkness or the sound of the wind or of falling through space. She wasn’t afraid of not existing.”
“People always think that happiness is a faraway thing… But, you know, happiness is right here, within reach of everybody. A person just needs to open their eyes.”
“You must be proud, while you’re young, of where you come from… Just as a tree must have roots to grow tall, so a child must have roots in his family to grow tall in spirit.”
“The world was hers for the reading, except that the child’s imagination always needed to be supplemented by reality.”

QUOTES FROM JOHNNY NOLAN

“Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It’s growing out of sour earth. And it’s strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way.”

“On the steps of the house, she arranged her new school things and looked at them proudly. A passerby would have thought her a little crazy. Johnny thought she was wonderful.”

“Francie, Neeley, and mama had a very fine meal. Each had a thick slice of the “tongue,” two pieces of sweet-smelling rye bread spread with unsalted butter, a sugar bun apiece and a mug of strong hot coffee with a teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk on the side.”

(Note: This is Johnny narrating a scene, not necessarily him speaking directly.)

“Johnny said it was a grand name. ‘Francie is a beautiful name,’ he said. ‘It is a beautiful name,’ she murmured. She tried it out a dozen ways.”

JOHNNY NOLAN

Character Breakdown of Johnny Nolan: Johnny Nolan is the father of Francie Nolan and Neeley Nolan. He is portrayed as a charismatic and loving man with a talent for singing. However, Johnny struggles with alcoholism, which poses challenges for himself and his family. Despite his flaws, he is deeply loved by his children and has a genuine affection for them.

Significance of Johnny Nolan in the Book: Johnny Nolan’s character serves several important purposes in the novel:

1. Representation of Poverty: Johnny’s character embodies the struggles faced by the working-class families in the Williamsburg neighborhood. His inability to provide stable financial support due to his alcoholism highlights the cycle of poverty and its impact on individuals and families.
2. Complex Family Dynamics: Johnny’s relationship with his wife Katie, their children Francie and Neeley, and other family members contributes to the novel’s exploration of family dynamics. The challenges and tensions resulting from his alcoholism provide opportunities for character development and growth within the family unit.
3. Influence on Francie’s Perception of the World: Despite his flaws, Johnny’s love for storytelling, music, and literature has a profound influence on Francie’s development. He nurtures her love for books and literature, encouraging her to see beyond their impoverished circumstances and instilling in her a sense of imagination and possibility.

Themes Related to Johnny Nolan’s Character and Influence: Several themes in the book relate to Johnny Nolan’s character and influence:

1. Poverty and the Cycle of Poverty: Johnny’s struggle with alcoholism reflects the challenges faced by individuals in poverty-stricken communities. The novel explores the impact of poverty on the Nolan family and the broader theme of the cycle of poverty and its effects on future generations.
2. Resilience and Hope: Despite the hardships faced by the Nolan family, Johnny’s character embodies resilience and the capacity for hope. His love for his children and his dreams for a better life contribute to the theme of resilience and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
3. Fatherhood and Parental Love: Johnny’s love for his children, particularly Francie, highlights the complexities of fatherhood and the depths of parental love. The novel explores the role of fathers in shaping their children’s lives and the impact of parental love on their growth and aspirations.
4. Escapism and Imagination: Johnny’s storytelling and the world of literature he introduces to Francie emphasize the themes of escapism and imagination. Through his influence, the novel explores the power of literature and imagination as means of transcending difficult circumstances.

Johnny Nolan’s character provides layers of depth and complexity to the narrative, contributing to themes of poverty, resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams. He serves as a catalyst for the development of other characters and offers insights into the challenges faced by individuals and families in impoverished environments.

In Betty Smith’s seminal novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Johnny Nolan stands as a tragic yet endearing character. As the father of the novel’s protagonist, Francie, Johnny is a figure both beloved and flawed, his character a stark representation of the hopes and failures of the working class in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

Johnny Nolan is a singing waiter, a handsome Irish-American with a soulful voice and a penchant for alcohol. He is a dreamer, a lover of music and stories, and a charming raconteur who ignites the imagination of his daughter, Francie. In a world defined by grinding poverty, Johnny represents an ethereal escape, his tales and songs a brief respite from the harsh realities of their daily existence.

Yet, Johnny is also a man beset by his flaws. His inability to hold down a steady job due to his alcoholism means his wife, Katie, bears the burden of providing for the family. As a father and husband, Johnny’s struggle with alcohol dependency is both a personal tragedy and a social commentary on the effects of poverty and limited opportunity.

Despite his weaknesses, Johnny’s love for his children, Francie and Neeley, is unwavering and sincere. He nurtures Francie’s imagination and love for storytelling. His affirmation of her perspective and his loving presence contribute significantly to her development, fostering her observational skills and nurturing her empathetic understanding of the world around her. Even in the face of Johnny’s failures, the bond between him and Francie remains strong and deeply affectionate.

There is a poignant dichotomy in Johnny’s character; he is a man both full of charm and beset by disappointment. On one hand, he is a symbol of the joy and life force that can exist even in the most challenging circumstances. He is endowed with a romantic spirit and a poetic soul that inspire his daughter’s love for literature and life.

On the other hand, Johnny is a stark representation of the debilitating effects of alcoholism and poverty. His struggles are symptomatic of broader social issues — the economic hardship experienced by immigrant populations, the lack of viable opportunities, and the subsequent despair that can lead to addiction. His untimely death, a direct result of his alcoholism, symbolizes the tragic consequences of these social conditions.

Throughout the narrative, Johnny remains a deeply human character. Despite his flaws, or perhaps because of them, readers are drawn to his warmth and charisma. His love for his children and his hopeful, albeit naive, worldview provide moments of genuine tenderness within the novel’s often grim reality.

Johnny’s character serves a dual role in the narrative. He is at once the novel’s symbol of escape and its anchor in reality. He represents both the magic of dreams and the bitter pill of their unfulfillment. Johnny embodies the contrasts present in the world Francie grows up in — the beauty and the pain, the love and the loss, the hope and the despair.

In conclusion, Johnny Nolan is a character of compelling depth in “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” His story is one of love, failure, hope, and tragedy. His life and the lessons he imparts play a crucial role in shaping Francie’s character, providing her with an understanding of the world that is both compassionate and painfully aware. Though Johnny’s life is marked by unfulfilled dreams and an untimely end, his influence lives on, his spirit continuing to inspire Francie as she navigates her own path in life. In Johnny Nolan, Betty Smith has created a character that remains etched in the reader’s mind, a poignant embodiment of the human capacity for hope in the face of despair.

CRITICISMS OF A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

While “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith is widely celebrated and regarded as a classic, it has faced some criticisms. Here are a few common points raised by critics:

Slow pacing: Some readers find the novel to have a slow and meandering pace, particularly in the beginning. The detailed descriptions and episodic structure may deter readers seeking a faster-paced plot.

Stereotypical portrayals: Critics argue that certain characters in the novel, particularly those representing ethnic groups or social classes, may be portrayed in stereotypical ways. They suggest that the characters’ behavior and dialogue can reinforce certain biases or limited perspectives.

Limited focus on marginalized voices: While the novel explores the struggles of the working-class and immigrant communities, some critics argue that it lacks representation and deeper exploration of the experiences of marginalized groups, such as people of color.

Nostalgic and idealized view of poverty: Some readers feel that the novel presents poverty and hardship through a romanticized lens, emphasizing the strength and resilience of characters while downplaying the harsh realities and systemic issues associated with poverty.

Lack of intersectionality: Critics note that the novel primarily focuses on the experiences of white characters, overlooking the intersecting factors of race, gender, and class that shape individuals’ lives.

It’s important to consider these criticisms in the context of the time the novel was written (published in 1943), as societal and literary perspectives have evolved since then. While these criticisms exist, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” continues to be highly regarded for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and its exploration of universal themes such as resilience, family, and the pursuit of education.

DISCUSSION OF A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

When studying “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith, several discussion points emerge that invite deeper analysis and exploration. Here are some key topics for discussion:

Poverty and Resilience: The novel vividly portrays the challenges faced by the Nolan family in their impoverished neighborhood. Discussions can delve into the impact of poverty on individuals and families, the strategies they employ to survive, and the resilience exhibited by the characters.

Coming-of-Age and Identity: The novel follows Francie Nolan’s journey from childhood to adolescence, exploring her personal growth, self-discovery, and the formation of her identity. Discussions can center on Francie’s development, her evolving understanding of her place in the world, and the influences that shape her.

Family Dynamics: The Nolan family’s relationships and dynamics provide rich material for discussion. Topics can include the complex bond between Francie and her parents, the impact of Johnny’s alcoholism on the family, and the role of Katie as a strong matriarch. Students can explore how family influences character development and the challenges and strengths within familial relationships.

Education and the Power of Learning: The novel emphasizes the transformative power of education and the pursuit of knowledge. Discussions can explore the importance of education for Francie and how it shapes her aspirations, resilience, and outlook on life. Students can also reflect on the role of education in addressing social and economic inequality.

Gender Roles and Expectations: The novel portrays the challenges and expectations placed on women during the early 20th century. Discussions can examine the limited opportunities for women in society at that time, the gendered division of labor, and the ways in which the characters navigate these expectations.

Themes of Hope and Dreams: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is infused with themes of hope, dreams, and aspirations. Discussions can explore the characters’ dreams and ambitions, the ways in which they cope with adversity, and the significance of hope in the face of difficult circumstances.

Social and Historical Context: The novel provides a rich backdrop of early 20th-century Brooklyn. Discussions can explore the historical context of the time, including immigration, urbanization, and the challenges faced by working-class communities. Students can analyze how these broader social and historical forces shape the characters’ lives and experiences.

These discussion points encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and messages. They invite students to reflect on social, cultural, and personal aspects of the story and encourage connections between the text and the larger world.

SUMMARY OF A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

Part One begins by introducing the reader to eleven-year-old Francie Nolan and her younger brother, Neeley, as they’re collecting junk to sell in order to earn a bit of money for their family. The novel, set in 1912, paints a vivid picture of life in the tenements of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Francie and her family are poor, but she possesses a rich imagination and a love for stories and libraries, which help her cope with the difficulties of her life.

The novel also introduces Francie’s parents: Johnny Nolan, a singing waiter with a penchant for alcohol, and Katie Nolan, a hardworking janitor who’s the primary breadwinner in the family. Despite their hardships, the Nolans share a deep bond of love.

One of the recurring themes and symbols in the novel is the Tree of Heaven. This is a type of tree that grows in even the most challenging conditions in Brooklyn, much like the Nolans’ resilience and determination to survive and flourish despite their poverty.

Throughout Part One, the reader gets a deep sense of Francie’s world—her love for her family, her admiration for her charming but flawed father, her complex feelings for her more pragmatic and stern mother, her relationship with her brother, her experiences at school, and the discrimination she faces due to her family’s poverty. Francie’s innocent and hopeful perspective on life, combined with her desire for knowledge and learning, forms the core of the novel’s narrative.

As the story unfolds, Francie becomes more aware of the realities of her life and her parents’ struggles. She starts understanding the complex dynamics of society, the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, and the unequal opportunities available to them. Through Francie’s eyes, the reader gets a stark but sympathetic portrait of the challenges and joys of life in early twentieth-century Brooklyn.

In Part Two of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” the narrative structure shifts, offering a series of flashbacks that provide a deeper understanding of the Nolan family’s past, their ancestors, and how they came to be in their current circumstances.

First, the story traces back to Johnny’s parents and Katie’s parents, providing a rich background to the Nolans’ Irish-American heritage and Katie’s Austro-Hungarian roots. The narrative highlights the struggles and hopes of these immigrants in the face of adversity, echoing the perseverance of the Tree of Heaven introduced in Part One.

We learn about Katie’s meeting with Johnny and how their relationship began. Johnny, a handsome young man with a talent for singing, was quite charming, and Katie, though pragmatic, fell in love with him. Despite her mother’s warning about the difficulties of marrying a dreamer like Johnny, Katie was resolute.

It is in this part of the story that the audience learns about Katie’s fierce determination and resourcefulness, traits that would later be essential in their struggle against poverty. After they marry, Johnny’s drinking habit worsens, and the couple’s financial situation deteriorates. Despite this, they find joy in the birth of their children, first Francie and then Neeley.

In Part Two, we also learn about the strong bond between Francie and her father, who despite his faults, instills a love for storytelling and imagination in her. Meanwhile, her relationship with her mother is more complicated. While Katie is shown to favor Neeley, her toughness stems from her desire to see her children survive and prosper.

By the end of Part Two, Francie’s world has expanded from the narrow streets of Williamsburg to encompass the broader world of her family’s past, providing her and the reader with a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in her present life. The combination of her personal experiences and the family history further shape her perspective on life.

In essence, Part Two of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is a deep dive into the history of the Nolan family, illuminating the past and providing context for the events that unfold in Francie’s present life. It enriches the narrative by adding layers of complexity to the characters and their motivations.

In Part Three of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” we return to Francie’s present life after the flashback sequences of Part Two.

The family’s circumstances continue to be challenging. Johnny’s health worsens due to his alcoholism, and he’s unable to hold down a steady job. As a result, Katie shoulders most of the family’s financial burdens, working tirelessly as a janitor to make ends meet.

Francie and Neeley continue their education, but they also contribute to the family income by doing odd jobs. Francie’s love for education deepens, seeing it as a pathway to a better life. However, she faces adversity at school, particularly from a teacher who dismisses her writing because it speaks too harshly of poverty.

Tragedy strikes the Nolans when Johnny dies from alcohol-induced pneumonia on Christmas Day. His death devastates the family, and it is a significant turning point in the novel. With the loss of Johnny, the family’s financial situation becomes even more dire.

In the face of these challenges, Katie discovers she’s pregnant with a third child. This adds to the family’s hardship, but it also provides them with hope for the future. To cope with their financial struggle, the family has to make significant sacrifices. Francie, though a brilliant student, has to leave school to work full time.

By the end of Part Three, Francie has experienced significant personal growth. She’s no longer the innocent young girl from the beginning of the novel, having been forced by circumstances to confront the harsh realities of life. Yet, like the Tree of Heaven, she remains resilient, striving to make a better life for herself and her family.

Overall, Part Three of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” chronicles the Nolan family’s continued struggle with poverty, the impact of Johnny’s death, and the family’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the hardship, the family’s bond strengthens, mirroring the resilience of the Tree of Heaven, which continues to grow even in the harshest of circumstances.

In Part Four of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Francie, now a young woman, navigates adolescence and the challenges of working-class life.

With the new baby, Annie Laurie, in the family, everyone must work hard to ensure their survival. Francie takes on a job in a factory that makes artificial flowers, a position she secures through falsifying her age. Though she misses school, she is committed to helping her family financially.

During this time, Francie faces the difficulties of adolescence, including a sexual assault attempt by a man in her neighborhood. Francie manages to defend herself, but the incident is traumatic and symbolizes the loss of her childhood innocence.

Francie also experiences her first romantic relationship with a young man named Lee Rhynor. Lee is a soldier about to leave for World War I and is actually engaged to another woman. Despite this, he courts Francie, leading her to believe he is genuinely interested in her. However, he leaves abruptly for the war without any promises or commitments, breaking Francie’s heart.

Despite the hardship and heartbreak, Francie’s spirit is not broken. She is persistent and continues to seek opportunities for herself. With some saved money, she starts taking college classes at night despite not having completed high school.

Meanwhile, Katie, who had begun a relationship with a police officer named McShane after Johnny’s death, agrees to marry him when he proposes. McShane is a widower with grown children and provides financial security for the Nolan family. With this change, Francie is no longer responsible for the family’s financial survival.

By the end of Part Four, Francie’s resilience, determination, and the new marriage’s financial stability allow her to return to her education, something she had been forced to abandon due to poverty. Francie is maturing, no longer a little girl but a young woman navigating the complexities of life with grit and tenacity.

In summary, Part Four of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” portrays Francie’s adolescence marked by work, romantic heartbreak, and the persistent pursuit of education. Despite the various hardships she experiences, Francie, like the Tree of Heaven, continues to grow and survive.

In Part Five, the final section of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” the narrative focuses on Francie’s transition into adulthood and her continued journey of self-discovery and growth.

With her mother’s new marriage to Officer McShane, the Nolan family’s financial circumstances improve considerably. Francie is now free to pursue her education without the burden of providing for her family. She graduates high school and enrolls in the University of Michigan with the help of a scholarship.

As Francie prepares to leave Brooklyn for college, she grapples with a sense of nostalgia and loss, contemplating the changes in her life and her neighborhood. While she’s excited about her future, leaving her past behind is bittersweet.

In this part of the novel, Francie also reflects deeply on her relationship with her mother, Katie. Despite their complicated history, Francie acknowledges the sacrifices Katie made and the hard choices she had to make to ensure the survival of her children.

On the day Francie leaves for college, she notices a new Tree of Heaven growing in the yard, symbolizing the perseverance and resilience that marked her own life and those of her family members. Just as the tree continues to grow against all odds, Francie is determined to make a life for herself, driven by the same resilience and determination.

Part Five brings the novel to a hopeful conclusion. Despite the hardships that marked Francie’s life, she has grown into a strong, resilient young woman ready to face the future. Like the Tree of Heaven, Francie has demonstrated an incredible capacity to thrive against all odds, imbuing the story with a sense of optimism and resilience.

In summary, Part Five of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” marks Francie’s transition from adolescence to adulthood. With newfound financial stability and a chance to pursue her dreams, Francie bids farewell to Brooklyn, carrying with her the resilience and perseverance symbolized by the Tree of Heaven.