Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

Herb is ineligible for war because of his flat feet and weak eyes, but Mama goes into a patriotic frenzy, buying war stamps and smashing anything made in Japan. Fascinated by the bulletproof Bibles soldiers carry, she buys one to carry in her suit pocket, but when she teaches Florence war songs, Granny objects that Florence will grow up warped. Her idea of an un-warped female is one who comforts the sick and afflicted so she forces Florence to accompany her and Jensy on temporal acts of mercy to counter Mama's influence. While Granny's charitable acts spring from a desire to be recognized as a great lady, Jensy has a strongly developed sense of Christian charity, and they force Florence to help them tend the sick and attend funerals. This is different from playing war games with Mama because it is...