Lucky Broken Girl

“Please, Mrs. Sarota, can you give Ramu another chance? Give him a harder word and see if he can spell it. Please.” 

Ruthie’s request to her teacher in the first chapter establishes her boldness, spirit, and persistence. She already spelled her own word correctly, earning passage to the regular class, but she cannot leave her friend Ramu behind in the remedial class where they practiced English together. Ramu does not think asking things of teachers is appropriate, so Ruthie speaks up for him. As a result, Ramu spells “souvenir” correctly and the two move to the new class together.

“That’s right, Ruthie. You are a heck of a lucky girl.”

Ruthie’s Uncle Bill tells Ruthie this when she shares the news that she will graduate to the regular class on Monday, reminding her of the freedom and opportunities available to her in America. The line is notable because it establishes a running motif concerning the meaning of luckiness. While Ruthie’s accident might seem like terrible luck, she comes to see herself as lucky in comparison to others hurt in the accident. Furthermore, over the course of her bedrest, Ruthie develops deep gratitude for her family and friends, counting herself lucky to have them.

“I can’t believe that this is all happening. Yesterday I was a normal girl. I went to the bathroom by myself. Today I can’t do anything without the help of a mean nurse.” 

Ruthie reacts the prior day’s car accident in the above interior monologue. In the hospital, she inadvertently wets the bed, aggravating the nurse who told her to call for the bedpan.