As Jeanne explains at the beginning of Chapter 12, the family's move to Block 28 was a major turning point for them: a time when their lives became "tolerable" instead of "outrageous."
The move helps Papa find meaningful, fulfilling work.Block 28 is located near a pear orchard, so Papa is able to occupy himself by taking care of the pear trees. They require pruning, which Papa is skilled at, and his work is fruitful...
As Jeanne explains at the beginning of Chapter 12, the family's move to Block 28 was a major turning point for them: a time when their lives became "tolerable" instead of "outrageous."
The move helps Papa find meaningful, fulfilling work. Block 28 is located near a pear orchard, so Papa is able to occupy himself by taking care of the pear trees. They require pruning, which Papa is skilled at, and his work is fruitful in more ways than one: the family gets to harvest and enjoy the pears, and Papa's work brings him a measure of peace and contentment. This is a significant improvement when you recall that Papa had struggled with alcoholism, that he had mistreated his family, and that he'd even gotten into a physical fight all before the move to Block 28.
Jeanne and her mother appreciate the move, too: Jeanne likes to listen to the wind blow through the leaves of the pear trees, which reminds her of the calm ocean breezes that she often heard back home, and Jeanne's mother is closer to the camp hospital, where she does her work as a dietician.
The new housing situation even affords extra space, real floors, and real ceilings. It may not sound like a big deal, but the improved interior environment probably went a long way toward helping Jeanne and her family feel more dignified and human during their imprisonment.
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