Frannie has grown up communicating by using sign language (as well as vocal speech) because her older brother, Sean, is deaf—Feathers explores how this communication, along with Sean's inability to communicate otherwise, is a sticking point in his life and for his family members who love him. Frannie sees Sean struggle as girls reject him outright just because he can't hear what they're saying, and she tries to understand why he wants so desperately to bridge the gap between his deaf world and the larger hearing world. It's tough when people don't understand you.
Questions About Language and Communication
- Why does Jesus Boy use sign language to communicate with Frannie the first time he sees her?
- How does Sean react when he's hit on by hearing girls?
- Does Frannie ever resent having to speak only in sign language to Sean? How can you tell? Why does she or doesn't she?
Chew on This
Even though all the hot girls think Sean wouldn't be a good boyfriend because he can't communicate with them vocally, he is actually more open and communicative than many of the other characters in Feathers—he just does so differently.
Trevor constantly lashes out against his classmates because this is his only way of communicating the anger he feels about being left behind by his father.