The Meaning of Family
This theme explores the idea that family is defined not by blood relations alone, but by love, stability, and unconditional acceptance. Wish challenges the traditional concept of a nuclear family by contrasting Charlie Reese's broken biological family with the nurturing "found family" she discovers in the small town of Colby. Ultimately, the novel suggests that a true family is a place of belonging, where individuals are cared for, supported, and loved for who they are, regardless of their shared history or genetics.
How It Develops
Charlie's understanding of family undergoes a profound transformation throughout the novel. Initially, her perspective is shaped by dysfunction and neglect, leading her to wish for the restoration of her biological family. However, as she experiences genuine care and witnesses healthy relationships, her definition expands to embrace the people who choose to love her.
At the beginning of the story, family is a source of pain, instability, and disappointment for Charlie. She is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Bertha and Gus, because her father, Scrappy, is in jail and her Mama (Carla) is severely depressed. She resents this arrangement, wishing only to return to her "real" family in Raleigh. As she spends more time in Colby, Charlie witnesses loving dynamics that contrast sharply with her own experiences. She observes the quiet affection between Gus and Bertha and the chaotic, loving energy of the Odom family. Though she begins to form bonds, she still sees her situation in Colby as temporary. By the end of the novel, Charlie realizes that her biological family is unlikely to change, and she chooses to stay in Colby. She understands that her wish for a loving, stable family has been granted through Gus, Bertha, and her friends.
Key Examples
Specific moments in the narrative highlight Charlie's evolving perspective on what constitutes a family.
- On her first day of school, Charlie is asked to describe her family. Her one-word answer, "Bad," encapsulates her entire worldview at the start of the story. This response shows a child who equates family with pain and dysfunction (Chapter 1-5 Summary).
- Charlie is stunned when she sees Gus and Bertha spontaneously hold hands while watching the stars. This simple act of affection is completely foreign to her and serves as her first glimpse into a healthy, loving partnership.
- When Charlie has dinner with Howard Odom's family, she is immersed in a whirlwind of noise, chaos, and affection. Mrs. Odom kisses her sons, they hold hands for the blessing, and the atmosphere is one of unconditional love. This experience provides a powerful model of a functional, if unconventional, family (Chapter 6-10 Summary).
- After Charlie has an angry outburst, she expects punishment. Instead, Bertha kneels before her and offers comfort and validation, telling her, "You are a blessing in this house, Charlie." This moment is pivotal, as it shows Charlie that she can make mistakes and still be loved—a core element of a healthy family.
In the book's final chapter, Bertha refers to herself, Gus, and Charlie as a family, marking the moment Charlie understands her wish has come true, just not in the way she imagined:
“I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought we’d have a family like this, would you, Gus?” A family like this? Is that what she’d said? She had said that! A family. A real family. (Chapter 31 Summary)
This passage underscores the transformative power of love and acceptance, as Charlie finally recognizes that her true family is not defined by blood, but by the bonds of affection and support she has found with Gus and Bertha.
Character Connections
Different characters embody various aspects of the theme, helping Charlie redefine her understanding of family.
As the protagonist, Charlie's entire arc is driven by her search for a stable family. She begins by wishing for her broken family to be fixed but learns that the family she needs is the one that has formed around her in Colby. Gus and Bertha are the heart of Charlie's found family. Despite being "kin," they become her true parental figures. Gus's quiet steadiness and Bertha's effusive warmth provide the stability and unconditional love Charlie has never known. The Odom family, particularly Mrs. Odom, demonstrates that a family's strength lies in its love, not its tidiness or conventionality. When Mrs. Odom tells Charlie, "I been needing a girl on my team," she explicitly invites her into their family circle, reinforcing the idea that family is about inclusion and belonging (Chapter 11-15 Summary). Jackie, Charlie's sister, represents a bridge between the old family and the new. While she is part of the dysfunctional unit in Raleigh, she is the first to recognize the positive environment Charlie has found, telling her she is "so lucky to be here with y'all" (Chapter 16-20 Summary).
Symbolic Elements
O'Connor uses objects and settings to symbolize the different facets of family.
Initially, Charlie sees Gus and Bertha's house as a shabby structure "hanging off the side of the mountain," representing her precarious and unwanted situation. By the end, it becomes a symbol of home, safety, and the unconventional but strong foundation of her new family.
At Vacation Bible School, the children create a bulletin board with paper flowers listing their blessings. Charlie initially struggles, feeling she has no blessing like "My family" to add. Her journey culminates in the realization that she can now claim that blessing for herself (Chapter 21-25 Summary).
Shared meals, such as the chaotic dinners at the Odoms' house and the Sunday feast in Gus and Bertha's yard, are powerful symbols of community and familial bonding. The act of sharing food, holding hands for a blessing, and enjoying one another's company represents the daily rituals that build a strong family unit.
Contemporary Relevance
This theme resonates deeply in contemporary society, where family structures are increasingly diverse. The concept of a "found family" or "chosen family" is a significant part of modern life for many, from foster children to adults who build supportive networks outside of their biological relatives. Wish validates these non-traditional families, emphasizing that the quality of relationships is more important than their origin. The story provides a powerful and affirming message for young readers who may come from blended families, single-parent households, or other situations that don't fit the traditional mold, reminding them that love is what truly makes a family.