Cold Sassy Tree is a novel by Olive Ann Burns that was published in 1984. The story is set in the small town of Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906 and follows the life of 14-year-old Will Tweedy as he navigates the complexities of growing up and coming of age.
At the start of the novel, Will's grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeson, passes away suddenly, leaving Will to deal with the grief and confusion that comes with such a loss. However, Blakeson's death is not the only event that Will must face during the course of the novel. Soon after, Blockson's widow, Miss Love Simpson, announces that she will be marrying a man named Rucker Lattimore, much to the shock and dismay of the community.
As the novel progresses, Will becomes increasingly involved in the lives of Miss Love and Rucker, and he begins to learn about the complexities of relationships and the importance of being true to oneself. Along the way, he also confronts his own feelings about love, loss, and growing up, as he grapples with the changes taking place in his own life.
One of the themes that emerges in Cold Sassy Tree is the idea of tradition and change. Throughout the novel, Will and the other characters in the story are confronted with the challenge of balancing the traditions and values of their small town with the changes and progress that are taking place in the world around them. This is particularly evident in the relationship between Miss Love and Rucker, as their unconventional marriage defies the expectations and norms of the community.
Another theme that is explored in the novel is the power of love and the importance of family. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Will and the other characters face, the bond of family remains strong, and love ultimately triumphs over adversity. This is demonstrated in the way that Will's family comes together to support one another during difficult times, and in the way that Miss Love and Rucker's love for each other helps them to overcome the obstacles that they face.
In conclusion, Cold Sassy Tree is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that deals with themes of tradition, change, love, and family. Its depiction of the struggles and triumphs of growing up and coming of age will resonate with readers of all ages, and its engaging and well-developed characters will leave a lasting impression.
Distal parenting, also known as "helicopter parenting," refers to a style of parenting in which parents are overly involved in their children's lives and try to control every aspect of their experiences. This type of parenting tends to produce children who are reliant on their parents for guidance and decision-making, and may struggle with self-regulation and independence.
One potential negative outcome of distal parenting is that children may lack the ability to solve problems on their own. When parents are constantly hovering and solving problems for their children, the children may not develop the skills and confidence needed to handle challenges independently. This can lead to a lack of resilience and an increased dependence on others for support.
Another potential consequence of distal parenting is that children may have difficulty developing their own sense of identity and autonomy. When parents are constantly directing and controlling their children's lives, the children may have little opportunity to explore their own interests and preferences. This can lead to a lack of self-direction and a reliance on external validation and approval.
In addition, distal parenting may lead to a lack of social skills and the inability to form and maintain healthy relationships. When children are not given the opportunity to interact with others and navigate social situations on their own, they may struggle with social interactions and have difficulty building and maintaining friendships.
Overall, distal parenting tends to produce children who are reliant on their parents and may struggle with independence, problem-solving, self-direction, and social skills. It is important for parents to strike a balance between providing support and guidance for their children, while also allowing them the opportunity to learn and grow on their own.
