Cold Sassy Tree is a novel by Olive Ann Burns that was published in 1984. The story is set in the small town of Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906 and follows the life of 14-year-old Will Tweedy as he navigates the complexities of growing up and coming of age.
At the start of the novel, Will's grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeson, passes away suddenly, leaving Will to deal with the grief and confusion that comes with such a loss. However, Blakeson's death is not the only event that Will must face during the course of the novel. Soon after, Blockson's widow, Miss Love Simpson, announces that she will be marrying a man named Rucker Lattimore, much to the shock and dismay of the community.
As the novel progresses, Will becomes increasingly involved in the lives of Miss Love and Rucker, and he begins to learn about the complexities of relationships and the importance of being true to oneself. Along the way, he also confronts his own feelings about love, loss, and growing up, as he grapples with the changes taking place in his own life.
One of the themes that emerges in Cold Sassy Tree is the idea of tradition and change. Throughout the novel, Will and the other characters in the story are confronted with the challenge of balancing the traditions and values of their small town with the changes and progress that are taking place in the world around them. This is particularly evident in the relationship between Miss Love and Rucker, as their unconventional marriage defies the expectations and norms of the community.
Another theme that is explored in the novel is the power of love and the importance of family. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Will and the other characters face, the bond of family remains strong, and love ultimately triumphs over adversity. This is demonstrated in the way that Will's family comes together to support one another during difficult times, and in the way that Miss Love and Rucker's love for each other helps them to overcome the obstacles that they face.
In conclusion, Cold Sassy Tree is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that deals with themes of tradition, change, love, and family. Its depiction of the struggles and triumphs of growing up and coming of age will resonate with readers of all ages, and its engaging and well-developed characters will leave a lasting impression.
There are many interesting topics that students can write about in college. Some of these topics include:
Mental health: Mental health is an important topic for college students, as it can affect their overall well-being and academic performance. Students can write about the various resources available on campus for mental health support, such as counseling services, support groups, and self-care strategies. They can also explore the stigma surrounding mental health and ways to combat it.
Social justice: College is a time for students to become more aware of the world around them and to develop a sense of social responsibility. Writing about social justice issues can be a powerful way for students to raise awareness and advocate for change. Topics could include racial inequality, gender discrimination, immigration reform, and climate change.
Relationships: Relationships are an important part of college life, whether they are romantic, platonic, or familial. Students can write about the challenges and joys of navigating different types of relationships in college, as well as strategies for maintaining healthy relationships.
Career exploration: Many college students are unsure of what they want to do after graduation. Writing about career exploration can help students reflect on their goals and interests, and explore various career paths. They can research job prospects in different industries, as well as the skills and experiences needed to succeed in those careers.
Personal growth: College is a time for personal growth and self-discovery. Students can write about their own experiences of growing and changing in college, as well as the challenges and opportunities they have encountered. They can also explore topics such as self-care, mindfulness, and personal development.
Overall, there are many interesting and important topics that college students can write about. By exploring these topics, students can develop their critical thinking skills, strengthen their writing skills, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
