There's a scene in Feathers where Sean asks Frannie what she would do if she could go to the other side of the highway—and Frannie immediately tells her brother that she likes it just fine where they are.
The characters in Feathers all live on "this" side of the highway, which is also known as the African American side. Segregation may be legally over, but they know that they're not going to be welcome if they go over to the other side of the highway. The separation between this side of the highway and the other side isn't fair, but Frannie doesn't mind because she considers this side her home; this is the place where she's grown up, and she loves the community.
Questions About The Home
- Why does Jesus Boy's family move from the other side of the highway to this one?
- How does Frannie associate her home with her family?
- How do Sean, Frannie, and Mama feel about Daddy being away from home so often?
Chew on This
Frannie thinks she loves "this" side of the highway, but what really makes her feel at home is being with her family and friends.
Jesus Boy doesn't come to Frannie's school in order to stir up trouble; he is just trying to find out where he belongs in the world, to create a home and a community for himself.