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Chapter 6
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Hunting by Stars, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Community and Identity
Resistance, Survival, and Hope
Dehumanization and Trauma
Language, Memory, and Legacy
Colonial Dominance vs. Healing with Nature
Summary
Analysis
At first light, Derrick wakes to find Rose packing up her sleeping bag near the campfire. He remarks that she could have shared his tent, which he intentionally pitched nearby in case she tries to leave camp without him. Rose wonders if anyone will try to stop them, but they are far from central camp. Rose’s tent won’t fit on her pack with the rest of her supplies. Sensing her growing frustration, Derrick suggests they share his on the road. Despite her suspicions about his motives, Rose agrees. They set out walking until they reach the main road, when they must decide which of the two nearby schools should be their destination.
Despite her strong sense of independence, Rose accepts Derrick’s presence without too much fight, suggesting she is grateful to have some company on her mission. Derrick’s romantic interest in Rose is poorly concealed, though he does seem primarily concerned with ensuring she is safe.
Active
Themes
Pausing, Rose says she wishes she could hear music right now. She misses the way a song with multiple melodies and instruments awakens different parts of a person before pulling itself back together. Derrick remarks that it sounds like Rose is talking about family. Rose agrees: this is why she couldn’t wait any longer to look for Frenchie, she “need[s] to hear his notes.” They set out toward Sir John A. MacDonald school, sharing stories from their lives. Derrick is uncomfortable any time Rose mentions Frenchie. He shares a story about having terrible diarrhea, which makes Rose laugh. Derrick’s attraction to her intensifies.
