Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Piecing Me Together, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Intersectionality, Identity, and Discrimination
The Power of Language
Mentorship, Opportunity, and Dignity
Friendship
Summary
Analysis
Jade shares more of York’s story. In 1832, York supposedly returned to St. Louis to be with Clark. According to Clark, York didn’t enjoy his freedom and he died of cholera during the journey. However, many believe that after he got his freedom, York went west again. In her mind, Jade sees York confidently traveling west on his own. This time, he tells the Native Americans the whole story and he speaks for himself. In this collage, Jade includes herself next to York. They both hold maps. They’re both black, traveling, and discovering what they’re capable of.
Now that Jade has the skills to ask for what she needs—and a more robust network to support her—she’s able to conceptualize living in Portland as a journey. She no longer sees the city as something that’s going to crush or divide her. Instead, it’s something for her to explore, just as she explores York’s story and her own multifaceted, changing identity.
Themes
