Sarah, Plain and Tall

Songs are an important form of expression used to communicate history, convey emotions, and bond communally. When the novel opens, Caleb Whiting is sad that their family no longer sings, which for him represents bonding, contentment, and security. Though he does not feel his mother’s death the same way Papa and Anna Whiting do, Caleb recognizes that the cessation of singing signifies that something is wrong in their house. Caleb desires healing for his family, so he longs to know when he will be comforted by song once again. Anna likewise mourns the absence of music in their household, writing to Sarah Wheaton with only one question: whether she sings. Sarah’s affirmative reply gives Anna hope that Sarah might make her family whole again.

Caleb is the first to bring song back into the house after picking flowers with Anna and Sarah, her presence and her willingness to spend time with the children sparking joy in Caleb and moving him to sing. Sarah also teaches the children an old folk song about the coming of summer. The song represents a part of Sarah’s New England culture and builds a connection with the children as they learn the words and its meaning.