Instances of rainy weather, especially when characters actually get wet, are unifying or community-building moments throughout the novel. Storms bring women to the hospital to deliver early, resulting in the close and trusting relationships Ruth describes with most of her patients. Particularly between Ruth and Kennedy, the few times they go out together (which is often in the rain) result in both of them getting soaking wet. Through their laughter about the weather, both Ruth and Kennedy are able to come to the realization that despite their differences in lifestyle, profession, age, and skin color, they both get wet just the same—in this one way, they're equal.
Get the entire Small Great Things LitChart as a printable PDF.
Rain Symbol Timeline in Small Great Things
The timeline below shows where the symbol Rain appears in Small Great Things. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 16, Kennedy
It rains that weekend. While Kennedy and Violet are coloring, Kennedy gets a call from Ruth to...
(full context)
...Ruth wanted her to see what it's like to be her. They run through the rain to Kennedy's car and when they're safe, Kennedy says she gets it. After a minute,...
(full context)
