Themes

I think the themes that drive this novel are of family and growing up. The theme I am choosing is the theme of family. This theme of family mostly impacts Sonny, Sylvia, and the Cloyd.

In the beginning of the story, we learn that the only “family” Sonny has is his mom. I say “family” because she is the only blood-related family he has left. However, he also has his dog Goofy that he considers a part of the family. As the story goes on, one could consider that his family has grown to include the twins, Jose and Miguel; the lady from Alley Cats, Mrs. Zuniga; and possibly the car salesman, Pink.

The family of theme impacts Sylvia because she seemingly wanted to create a better life for Sonny and herself and tries to do that by marrying Cloyd, making them a family.  She even attempts to be cook and be a mother to Sonny. However at this point, Sonny seems to prefer to be away from his mother.

The family of theme impacts Cloyd because it seems like he truly wanted to be a family with Sylvia and Sonny. He likes that he has a Mexican wife to cook for him, although she does not like the idea of being a housewife which seems to cause some tension between them. He even tries to create a bond with Sonny, but Sonny has no interest in befriending him.