Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Curtis & Nora reflections

Key notes to understanding Curtis’ monologue: Before his break-up, Curtis was self-absorbed with his body image, conceited, the center-of-attention, cocky, arrogant, he took things and people for granted, living in the moment. After his break-up Curtis becomes selfless, goal-oriented, and resourceful, shifting all his effort and attention to winning back the heart of ex-girlfriend, who is looking to the future with hopes of establishing a family. Themes: sometimes we don’t realize all the good we have in our lives until we permanently lose it, then you look at things differently, and appreciate, respect, and care more; we need to be resourceful and show out-of-the-box thinking (besides working hard) to reach a desired goal; life is about being selfless not always selfish. Curtis strikes a deal with Royce; in exchange for protecting his tomato plants during the night, Curtis provides him with a sleeping bag, private corner in garden, and food; this shows his resourcefulness, a step toward achieving his goal of reconciling with Lateesha. Key notes to understanding Nora’s monologue: Nora is Mr Myles personal nurse, as he suffered a stroke and is in a wheelchair. She is helpful, caring, and selfless by helping him to get actively involved in the Gibb Street Garden. Nora helps him to remember and reconnect with his mother's garden from many years past. Nora is an insightful person because she compares the garden to: a "miniature city", a "soap opera", a "cure for the mad" (emotional & mental therapy), and Pioneers/Pilgrims colonizing land. Nora encourages Mr Myles & us to live life to the fullest; we can't vegetate or remain stagnant; we must have a life purpose, goals, and grow to our full potential. She says "his eyes gained back some of their life" when he smelled and touched the garden.