Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor Summary, Characters and Themes
Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor is a historical fiction novel set during the early 1930s, against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the devastating Dust Bowl era. The book follows the emotional journey of Emily Gale, a woman who becomes the guardian of her orphaned niece, Dorothy, after the sudden death of Emily’s sister, Annie.
As Emily navigates the struggles of taking on a motherly role for a child she hardly knows, she is also forced to confront her own grief, identity, and the legacy of her family’s past. With themes of love, loss, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics, Before Dorothy takes readers on a profound emotional journey.
Summary
In February 1932, Emily Gale arrives in Chicago, burdened with grief and uncertainty. She’s come to take responsibility for her niece, Dorothy, after the tragic deaths of her sister, Annie, and her brother-in-law, John.
Emily feels disconnected from the life she once knew in Kansas and is overwhelmed by the cold, unfamiliar city. Upon arriving at her sister’s home, she is met by Cora, the housekeeper, whose words in both English and Irish stir a longing in Emily for her Irish roots.
The house is filled with memories of Annie, and every corner seems to hold a piece of her. As Emily prepares to meet Dorothy, her anxiety grows.
The child, only seven years old, has been deeply traumatized by the death of her parents and often suffers from nightmares. Emily, unsure of how to connect with her niece, tries to offer comfort but feels inadequate.
She remembers Dorothy as a baby, but much time has passed, and the child has changed. Dorothy’s withdrawal from Emily adds to her discomfort.
As Emily learns more about Dorothy’s nightmares, which are filled with images of “the black wind” and flying monkeys, she feels even more out of her depth. Emily is now faced with not only the grief of losing her sister but also the overwhelming responsibility of becoming a guardian and mother figure to Dorothy, a role she doesn’t feel equipped to fulfill.
Cora reveals that Dorothy’s trauma has manifested in her play, where she pretends her toys are at a funeral, a sign of the depth of her grief.
The legal formalities surrounding the reading of Annie and John’s will reveal shocking financial troubles. John’s bankruptcy has left the family in debt, and there is no inheritance to support Dorothy.
This new burden compounds Emily’s anxiety, but she remains determined to care for Dorothy, even though the financial situation is uncertain. Emily’s own sense of loss and inadequacy grows as she tries to navigate the complexities of the past and present.
Throughout the book, Emily’s internal turmoil is reflected in her thoughts and struggles. She constantly vacillates between memories of the past and the demands of the present.
The weight of her sister’s death and the new responsibility of looking after Dorothy pulls Emily in different directions. She is caught between the desire to return to the simpler, more peaceful life she knew in Kansas and the emotional demands of the present.
As Emily tries to comfort Dorothy, she finds that words often fail. Her attempts to bring Dorothy closer to her are met with distance, and the child’s nightmares continue to haunt her.
Emily begins to realize that Dorothy’s emotional needs are complex and require more than just the physical care she has been providing. The Irish lullaby Dorothy sings evokes memories of their childhood and their shared heritage, and Emily tries to bond with Dorothy by connecting to that past.
Emily’s own grief begins to mix with her fear of failing Dorothy. She is unable to offer the comfort her niece needs, and this only heightens her sense of inadequacy.
When Emily learns of Dorothy’s fears and her retreat into fantasy, she begins to understand that, in many ways, Dorothy is not just coping with the death of her parents, but also with the disorientation of being in a new environment, surrounded by strangers and unfamiliar routines.
At the same time, Emily’s longing for her family’s simpler life in Kansas grows. She is torn between her desire to honor her sister’s memory and her own need for peace and stability.
Her connection to Dorothy is tentative, strained by both their grief and the emotional distance that exists between them. The emotional landscape of the story is fraught with tension as Emily tries to fulfill her promise to her sister while also confronting the complexities of her own emotions.
The final moments of the story focus on Emily’s growing understanding of her role as a guardian. She begins to recognize that, despite the challenges and uncertainties, her bond with Dorothy is evolving.
The healing process is slow, but Emily starts to accept her responsibility and sees the importance of preserving the memories of her sister while building a new future for Dorothy. The relationship between Emily and Dorothy becomes more stable, with small moments of connection that provide hope for the future.
The story concludes on a note of cautious optimism. Emily realizes that she can never truly replace her sister, but she can offer Dorothy a home built on love and the traditions they once shared.
Dorothy, in turn, begins to find comfort in the routines and rituals that connect her to both her parents and the heritage they shared. Though Emily’s grief never fully fades, she learns to live with it and use it to build a new life with Dorothy.
The book ends with a sense of quiet resolution, as Emily finds a way to balance her own grief with the need to provide a safe and loving home for her niece.
Characters
Emily Gale
Emily Gale is a woman defined by her sense of duty and internal struggle, acting as the central figure in the story. Initially, she is seen in a state of grief after the death of her sister, Annie, and the tragic loss of her brother-in-law, John.
Emily’s move to Chicago in 1932 to take care of her niece, Dorothy, marks the beginning of her journey, where she is challenged by the weight of responsibility. She is emotionally caught between the memory of her family, particularly her late sister, and her new role as Dorothy’s guardian.
Emily is overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and providing a stable environment for Dorothy while grappling with the grief of her own past. Her connection to the land and her deep-rooted ties to her Irish heritage serve as pillars throughout her journey.
As a mother figure to Dorothy, Emily evolves, initially hesitant and disconnected but slowly learning to embrace the child and the new life they are building together. Her journey of grief, self-discovery, and finding solace in unexpected places is central to the narrative.
Emily’s relationship with the land and her family, coupled with her inner turmoil, portrays a multifaceted woman who is learning to reconcile the person she once was with the woman she is becoming.
Dorothy
Dorothy is a pivotal character, representing innocence amidst trauma. The tragic loss of her parents leaves her in a state of emotional disarray, often retreating into her imagination to cope with the reality of her grief.
As a seven-year-old girl, she is burdened with nightmares and a fear of the unknown, symbolized by her recurring dreams of “the black wind” and flying monkeys. Dorothy’s emotional complexity makes it difficult for her to connect with Emily initially.
She is caught between her sorrow over losing her parents and her attempts to adapt to the new life that Emily offers. Throughout the story, Dorothy is a child trying to find her place in a world that feels disconnected and foreign to her.
Her attachment to her Irish roots, expressed through her singing an Irish lullaby, ties her to the past and offers Emily a way to connect with her emotionally. Though she is initially distant, Dorothy’s evolution from grief-stricken child to a girl learning to embrace her new family is crucial.
The complexities of her inner world, her coping mechanisms, and her ultimate journey toward healing add depth to her character.
Henry Gale
Henry Gale, Emily’s husband, plays a quieter, stabilizing role in the narrative. While Emily grapples with her emotional turmoil, Henry remains a consistent source of support.
His deep love for Emily and their life together on the Kansas prairie contrasts with the chaos and uncertainty that Emily feels. Henry’s approach to Dorothy’s upbringing is more relaxed than Emily’s, and he is more accepting of her imperfections.
This creates a tension between them as Emily struggles with her resentment towards Dorothy, who serves as a painful reminder of her sister’s death. Despite the trials that come with raising Dorothy, Henry remains steadfast and hopeful, providing Emily with a sense of stability.
His role in the family dynamic is essential as he embodies resilience and the quiet strength needed to survive the harsh conditions of the prairie. Over time, his connection to Dorothy deepens, and his ability to forgive and accept her helps Emily move towards her own acceptance of the child as part of their family.
Cora
Cora, the housekeeper of Annie and John’s home, plays a crucial but often understated role in the story. With her Irish roots, Cora serves as a link to Emily’s past and heritage, providing both comfort and continuity amidst the emotional upheaval.
Her ability to convey her condolences to Emily in both English and Irish underscores the connection to the past that Emily longs for. Cora’s role is not just that of a caretaker but also of an emotional guide, offering solace and perspective to Emily when she feels most lost.
Her interactions with Dorothy, particularly her discussions about the child’s nightmares and emotional withdrawal, offer valuable insights into the depth of the child’s grief. Cora’s presence represents a kind of quiet wisdom and emotional understanding, helping Emily find a way forward in her difficult new role as a mother figure.
Leonardo Stregone
Leonardo Stregone, the so-called “rainmaker,” serves as both an antagonist and a catalyst for Emily’s journey. His arrival brings both literal and metaphorical storms to the Gale family’s life.
As a self-proclaimed rainmaker, he symbolizes false promises and fleeting hope. He initially appears as a charismatic showman, drawing the townspeople’s attention with his extravagant claims, but his true nature and motivations slowly unravel.
Emily’s discovery that Leonardo is Dorothy’s biological father adds complexity to the narrative, introducing secrets and unresolved emotions into the already strained family dynamic. Leonardo’s past with Emily’s sister, Annie, and his abandonment of her and their unborn child introduces tension and guilt, particularly for Emily.
His presence forces Emily to confront the past she has tried to suppress and raises questions about Dorothy’s future. As the story progresses, Leonardo’s selfishness and detachment from his responsibilities as a father become clear, contrasting sharply with Emily’s deep love for Dorothy and her determination to protect her.
His departure marks a turning point, allowing Emily to finally claim the role of Dorothy’s protector, free from the shadows of the past.
Adelaide Watson
Adelaide Watson, the aviator who crashes near the Gale farm, introduces an element of excitement and change into the story. Her daring spirit and sense of adventure stand in stark contrast to the harsh, unrelenting environment of the Kansas prairie.
Adelaide represents a life of freedom, possibility, and escapism, which contrasts with the mundane struggles of farm life and the emotional burdens that Emily faces. Initially, Emily is skeptical of Adelaide’s carefree attitude, but over time, she becomes intrigued by the sense of hope and possibility that Adelaide represents.
Adelaide’s influence on Dorothy is evident as the child becomes enchanted by the idea of flight and adventure, offering a temporary reprieve from the emotional challenges she faces. For Emily, Adelaide’s presence forces her to question her own choices and the limitations she has placed on herself, encouraging her to embrace the possibility of change.
Though Adelaide’s time with the family is brief, her impact is lasting, providing both a distraction and a source of inspiration for Emily and Dorothy.
Themes
Grief and Loss
The weight of grief and loss pervades the entirety of Before Dorothy, affecting not only the central character, Emily, but also the lives of those around her. Emily’s deep sorrow over the untimely death of her sister, Annie, serves as the emotional core of the narrative.
Her journey begins with a sense of displacement and alienation, underscoring the overwhelming nature of mourning a loved one. Emily’s grief is not only about the absence of her sister but also about the unexpected responsibilities she inherits, including the care of her niece, Dorothy.
This loss reverberates through Emily’s emotions, creating a disconnect between her and her surroundings. The house filled with traces of Annie’s presence—her coat, perfume, and the scent of her life—intensifies Emily’s sorrow, making her long for a connection to her Irish roots, which becomes a crucial part of her emotional journey.
As Emily assumes the role of Dorothy’s guardian, she constantly battles with her feelings of inadequacy and guilt, exacerbated by her own inability to fully comfort the child, who is also haunted by the tragic death of her parents. Emily’s internal conflict of wanting to preserve the memory of her sister while grappling with the weight of raising Dorothy reveals the profound emotional challenges she faces.
The story subtly weaves the complexities of grief, illustrating how it reshapes relationships and identities. Emily’s grief is a constant presence, influencing her decisions and actions throughout the book.
Her struggle to fill the emotional gap left by Annie’s death, combined with the pressure of caring for Dorothy, reflects the way grief can engulf one’s life, leaving no room for clarity or comfort. The theme of loss in Before Dorothy is not just about the death of a loved one but also the loss of self-identity and the emotional burdens that come with sudden responsibilities.
Identity and Transformation
The theme of identity plays a central role in Emily’s journey throughout Before Dorothy, especially as she confronts the disorienting changes in her life after the death of her sister. At the story’s beginning, Emily feels displaced, both geographically and emotionally.
She leaves behind her life in Kansas to take up her sister’s responsibilities in Chicago, which forces her to reassess her own identity. Emily finds herself caught between the memory of her family’s past, her own personal grief, and the need to assume a completely new role as Dorothy’s guardian.
This shift is not just a physical relocation but an emotional transformation, as she struggles to reconcile her past self with the demands of her present situation. The overwhelming grief from her sister’s death makes her unsure of who she is or what she can offer to Dorothy, who desperately needs her care.
The Irish heritage that Emily clings to becomes an important part of her search for identity. Her longing for connection with her roots offers a sense of solace and stability in the face of chaos.
However, Emily’s transformation is also marked by the need to embrace a future with Dorothy, even when she feels unprepared for the role of mother. The pressure to step into the shoes of someone who has passed, especially a sister with whom Emily shared a deep bond, forces her to confront the complexities of her own identity and purpose.
Through this journey, Emily finds that her sense of self is no longer defined by the life she once knew but by the responsibilities she now bears. Before Dorothy beautifully captures how loss and change can force a person to reimagine themselves, pushing them toward growth and a new understanding of their own identity.
Family and Responsibility
Family, both biological and chosen, stands as a cornerstone of Before Dorothy, highlighting the weight of responsibility and the complex nature of familial ties. Emily’s relationship with Dorothy evolves from one of obligation to one of deep emotional connection.
Initially, Emily struggles with the enormity of taking on the role of Dorothy’s guardian, feeling ill-equipped to replace her sister Annie. This sense of unpreparedness and the absence of a true maternal bond with Dorothy adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
The reader witnesses Emily’s journey from resentment and uncertainty to eventual acceptance and love for Dorothy, making this theme an essential part of the narrative.
The concept of responsibility is portrayed in multiple dimensions throughout the story. Emily’s sense of duty is not just about caring for Dorothy but also about preserving the memory of her sister and honoring her family’s legacy.
The financial struggles and the revelation of John Gale’s hidden bankruptcy further complicate Emily’s role, forcing her to take on even greater responsibilities, both emotionally and financially. However, as she starts to understand Dorothy’s needs and vulnerabilities, Emily realizes that the responsibility of caring for her niece is not just a duty but a privilege.
The theme of family is intricately tied to the idea of sacrifice, as Emily learns to navigate the difficulties of raising a child in the face of grief, while also rebuilding her own emotional resilience. The bond between Emily and Dorothy ultimately transforms into one of mutual healing, illustrating how family can become a source of both obligation and profound connection.
Hope and Resilience
In the face of adversity, Before Dorothy explores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. The story is set against a backdrop of loss, financial strain, and the emotional toll of grief.
Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges, Emily’s relationship with Dorothy offers a glimmer of hope. The presence of the child in Emily’s life becomes a catalyst for her to push through her own sorrow and rediscover a sense of purpose.
As Dorothy begins to open up and respond to Emily’s attempts to care for her, their relationship transforms, representing a quiet but significant form of healing. This shift in Emily’s perspective highlights the idea that even in the most difficult circumstances, love and connection can create new possibilities for the future.
Hope is not just an abstract concept but something tangible that Emily finds in her daily life with Dorothy. Although their life in Chicago is filled with grief and uncertainty, there are moments of lightness and love that offer them both solace.
Emily’s efforts to build a home for Dorothy, despite the financial difficulties and emotional strain, reflect the idea that resilience lies in persistence and in finding meaning in the smallest moments. The theme of hope is also symbolized in Emily’s connection to her past, particularly her Irish roots, which serve as a reminder of where she came from and the strength that comes from her heritage.
The slow but steady bond between Emily and Dorothy ultimately illustrates how resilience can help overcome even the harshest of realities, such as the grief of losing a loved one or the responsibility of raising a child who is not your own.
The Power of Memory
The power of memory is a subtle yet powerful theme that runs throughout Before Dorothy, particularly in how Emily relates to her sister’s memory and the remnants of her past. Emily’s reflections on her sister Annie and the lingering presence of her belongings in their family home underscore the significance of memory in shaping one’s identity and actions.
Annie’s death leaves an indelible mark on Emily, but it also forces her to reckon with the past, particularly with the unresolved emotions and relationships that have been left behind. The act of remembering becomes a way for Emily to connect with the essence of her sister’s spirit and to preserve their shared history.
However, the memories that Emily holds onto are not just about nostalgia or loss but also about understanding and growth. As she navigates her new role as Dorothy’s guardian, Emily begins to realize that her memories of her sister can serve as a source of strength rather than grief.
The traditions they shared, including their Irish heritage and the bond they had as family, become guiding principles for Emily as she works to create a new future with Dorothy. Before Dorothy illustrates how memory, while tied to loss, also holds the power to guide and heal, providing a means of reconciling the past with the present and future.
Through this process, Emily learns that the memories she cherishes are not only a reminder of what she’s lost but also of the enduring connections that shape her ability to move forward.