Theme: Communication and Language

Within Stitches: A Memoir, each character has their own way of communicating; unfortunately this communication mainly comes in poorly expressed emotions. The most common of these being intense anger and deathly silences. 

Languages of Each Character:

Mama/Betty Small: the slamming of cupboard doors and her furious silent withdraws that could last for days, or even weeks at a time

Dad/Ed Small: thumped a punching bag

Brother/Ted Small: beat on his drum

David Small: wordlessly expressed himself and getting sick

Every time something did not go according to plan Betty would react in anger and her resentment would build and build, brewing a certain degree of hatred and disconnect within her family. This is exceedingly clear in the letter David found post surgery about his cancer, where Betty refers to David as "The Boy" 

The only real communication that happens within Stitches is when David starts to see the psychiatrist. They were able to talk about real issues in Davids life and have conversations that lead to a better understanding of himself and his position in life.

David later found his voice and language though his art, where he was freely able to express himself in a pure and honest way. 

This is a page on advice that may help those struggling to find an effective form of communication with in their family system.

http://family.lovetoknow.com/about-family-values/importance-family-communication





Small, David. Stitches: A Memoir--. New York: W.W. Norton, 2009. Print.