Theme

RIGHT VS WRONG

          In the novel “My Sisters Keeper”, there are many themes. I’ve analyzed four in particular which all contribute to positive and negative aspects of the novel.      

The most significant theme in this book is “Right versus Wrong”. Although Anna (the main character) is a teen who is constantly trying to find her true self, she continuously struggles between what’s right and wrong. Over the course of the novel, Anna comes to know that she will be needed to donate a kidney for her sister’s use. She then realizes that her sisters needs are ongoing and she doesn’t want to deal with them anymore, therefore she plans to sue her parents. This theme is especially significant because Anna is forced to choose between her rights or her sister’s life. It also demonstrates the ongoing conflict Anna has versus herself, because she knows her purpose is to save Kate. This also introduces character versus nature conflict; her sister’s illness is uncontrollable and always remains an obstacle in her life.   

                                 LIVING IN THE MOMENT & HOPE

            Another major theme in this novel is “The importance of living in the moment.” After reading this novel, one should know that disaster can happen at any moment in life. Kate’s leukemia (APL) has affected every single one of her family members in that way. Sara and Brian are always prepared to rush to the hospital at any time in case of a Kate emergency. During such moments, this couple constantly bring back memories they’ve had all throughout Kate’s life; such as thanksgiving dinners, playing football. They’ve learned the importance of appreciating the moments they’ve had with their precious daughter, and to not think about the worst that’s yet to come in the following days, weeks or even years. This also shows how much they hold onto hope. “Hope” and “living in the moment” are both themes that go hand in hand together. Rather than adding onto the distress in the novel, “Hope” acts like the light at the end of the tunnel for the Fitzgerald’s. After years of going through so many operations, transplants, treatments and relapses, this family hangs onto hope as a fragile thread, in sight to keep their family bond.  Although Anna goes against her parents and her sister all throughout the novel, she was always there to see Kate in the hospital. Even though Jesse is known as the ‘lost cause’, and never involves himself with Kate, he has been there in times of need. (For example, when he played drunk so that Anna could sneak into Kate’s hospital room) Since childhood, Kate has always had hope due to her family’s support. When she had lost all her hair for the first time, Anna and Sara both shaved their heads too. This demonstrates that she always has hope; her family always tries to support each other.

NEGLECTION

            The last theme responsible for most of the negative conflict in the novel is “Neglection”. Kate’s sickness has always been the priority in the Fitzgerald family. Although Sara and Brian don’t realize it, they started neglecting their other two children at a very young age. Anna and Jesse have always had high expectations set upon them. Their parents have always trusted them to understand why they had to sacrifice important things, because of their sister’s condition. These expectations deeply affected the kids while growing up, and they were thrown onto a rough path where they had and have had to fend for themselves when they really needed something (Simply because mom and dad are occupied with Kate) this explains why Anna found Campbell Alexander by herself, and why Jesse got into smoking, drinking and drugs. They constantly feel like their opinions don’t matter, because it’s Kate that matters. All in all, this theme is particularly powerful because it makes the most impact as an important moral from the story. 

Questions:

   1.      Which theme do you think is the most important, considering this family’s struggle with      cancer?

   2.      In your opinion, do the themes in “My Sister’s Keeper” impact the story in more positive ways  than negative? (or vice versa)

   3.      Picture yourself in Sara or Brian’s position, what would you do to make the best out of Kate’s  situation?

   4.      “Right versus Wrong” plays a large role in the novel. Do you think Anna should be fighting for  her own decisions, or supporting her sister? Which is right or wrong?

   5.      While considering the themes, what is the most significant moral you learned from the novel?

   6.      Do you think Sara meant to neglect her kids? Why or why not?

   7.      Pick one family member and explain how they specifically made a positive impact in a time of  need.

   8.      Which theme do you most relate to? Explain.

   9.      How does hope play an important role in Anna’s life?

 10.  How do Campbell and/ or Julia play important roles in one of these themes?

              Answers:

  1.      I think hope is the most important theme for the Fitzgerald’s because it`s what’s getting them    through the hardest of times, hoping everything will be alright eventually.

  2.      The themes in ``My Sisters Keeper`` definitely impact the story in more negative ways than  positive (in my opinion) only because most of them are the reason for ongoing conflicts throughout  this novel.

  3.      If I were in Sara`s situation, I probably wouldn’t have as much courage as she to look at the  positive side of things. I`d definitely try to stay close with all my children though. During difficult  situations like illness` people can change in the blink of an eye, and sometimes it’s hard to notice  when you’re caught up in the situation. As Sara`s focusing on Kate, she`s not looking out for Jesse in  particular and doesn’t really know where he is at any time. I would definitely be more caring towards  each child and assure they`re not letting the sickness affect them that badly.

  4.       I agree with Sara on this one, Anna is too young to be making her own decisions and she should  help her sister somehow. If I were Anna I`d do anything to try and help my sibling if it meant they  were going to die. I`m personally very impressed that Anna stood up for herself, but I think helping  while you still can is always the right thing to do.

  5.      The most significant moral I learned based off of Hope, is to always remain positive and  supportive during times where loved ones are undergoing cancer or even other problems. It’s  important to face those situations with your head held high and staying strong.

  6.      Although Sara is aware that her kids are `lost causes`, she doesn’t realize how badly Anna and n   Jesse need attention. I don’t think she meant to neglect them, it just automatically appears that way    because she`s so focused on keeping Kate alive.

  7.      Brian is a character who is calm and naturally helps during tough situations; after all, he is a    hero in his own way. Brian made an especially positive impact to the story when he offered Anna to  take some time off from home and come live with him at the station. He bonded with her, listened to  her, and really helped her realize what she was trying to do with this lawsuit. The break from home  was the perfect time for Anna to just breathe.

  8.      I think I most relate to the theme `Right versus Wrong` because I`m still a teenager who has    trouble making decisions and deciding whether I should do what’s best for me or what’s best for  everyone.

  9.      Hope plays an important role in Anna`s life because she`s constantly hoping Kate`s cancer will  go away. At first, she hoped she wouldn’t have to keep giving bone marrow, cells, etc. Then she  hoped Campbell would help her get her rights back and then she just kept hoping that it will  somehow workout without hurting Kate.

 10.  Julia and Campbell play significant roles when it comes to the theme of Hope. They are both part  of Anna`s case but go out of their way to figure out how to deal with her case. Julia also plays role in  the theme of Neglection. Although Sara doesn’t really acknowledge them, Julia`s curiosity about the  family lead her to making sure Anna was okay and she always treated her as if she were a daughter,  giving her the attention she needed.