Al Capone does my Shirts
THEME
Love
A major theme in this story, is that all family members must look out for each other. Moose and Natalie express love, because Moose understands Natalie, looks out for her, and accepts her for who she is. Natalie even does better when Moose is there, because Moose has some kind of magical power that helps Natalie, the magical power is love.
Mr. and Mrs. Flannagan depend on Moose, to get Natalie to do what she is supposed to do. "Finally my Father's head pops up. He looks at me. The first example that shows this theme is, "Moose can you get her up?" he asks." (Choldenko 27) This evidence shows how Moose is the only one who can get Natalie to obey, it's like Moose has a power to control Natalie. So Mr. and Mrs. Flannagan depend on him to make Natalie better.
Natalie is beginning to get attached to Moose, Moose is really special to Natalie. A second example that shows this theme is, "Now my Dad has the brown suitcase, my Mom is smiling and Natalie is next to me. She finds my hand." (Choldenko 28) The only loving relationship Natalie has, is with Moose. Natalie even walked beside Moose and held his hand, which she would NEVER do to anyone else. That shows how strong Natalie loves Moose.
Moose and Natalie's relationship affects Mrs. Flannagan. The last example that shows this theme is, "You're better with Natalie than I am." Her voice cracks. She doesn't look at me. She dabs her eyes...." (Choldenko 180) This evidence shows how Mrs. Flannagan feels, after realizing that her own son does better with her daughter than she does. It makes her sad because she wishes she can have a daughter that acted normal, and wanted to spend time with her.