Final Essay on A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Francie starts as an innocent little girl blind to the evil and danger in the world. She really shows her innocence when she stares at the old man's feet. As she stares at the old man's feet she realizes that she fears growing up even though going from an innocent little child filled with wonder to an elderly person bearing the knowledge and wisdom of the ages is the most critical part of growing up.


Francie may be astounded at the world but she is also the little girl who is content sitting on the fire escape, reading, with a bowl of candy. She is also the mature woman who is leaving for college. This change happens as she gets older and as she gains more experience. As Francie gains more experience, she slowly realizes that the world isn't the place she once thought it was. When she was little, her innocence protected her from the evil of the world, but as that innocence fades, she encounters and recognizes the evil in the world. This is the most important point in every person's life. They can either succumb to this evil or fight it as Francie does. The guidance of friends and family is needed to help you overcome this difficult time, but when you get out of it you will realize that this was the most important time in your life and you will always hold the memories of that time in a special light


Betty Smith writes this novel on a very common subject but she writes with a very unique style. She writes this like how a fisherman reels his lure. Slowing it down almost to a dead stop then ripping it upwards. This method may be enticing to some but to others this dangling carrot isn't worth the effort.

Going from innocence to experience is the biggest part of everyone's life and if they mess up then they are doomed for eternity. That is why this book isn't suited for teenagers because teens need something relaxing to read and the author gets distracted in the tiniest little details and the overall plot isn't appealing in the least. Stay away from this novel if at all possible. Books are supposed to help you and make you feel better but this book ignited my inner ire and didn't help me at all.