The Inseparability of Sweetness and Sadness in Life: A Study on Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie

Abstract

Kate DiCamillo is the author of several books for children. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has been the winner of Newbery Medal twice. She has also received many other awards for her books. The Library of Congress has appointed her as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for the term 2014-2015. All her novels apart from entertaining the readers instill hope in them and motivate to spread love no matter whatever tough situations they are through. Her debut novel Because of Winn-Dixie is one such novel that spreads positivity right from the beginning till its end. India Opal Buloni, the ten year old child protagonist of the novel feels lonely as she has moved to a new town with her preacher father. Her mother has left her when she was just three years old. She very much longs for her mama. As a young adult she slowly learns the truths of life, one among which is that both sweetness and sadness are part and parcel of life.  Kate DiCamillo’s works include The Tiger Rising, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Flora and Ulysses and many more.