The Year of the Dog

The saying that it takes a village to raise a child is reflected in Pacy’s endeavor to create a book with her authentic voice, for the support she receives along the way develops the theme of the Community Influence on Personal Goals. This dynamic is reflected even in issues that do not directly connect to her literary aspirations, for when Pacy gets involved in the school play, she receives indirect support from Ms. Malone and strong encouragement from Melody. During auditions for The Wizard of Oz, Pacy opts not to vie for the role of Dorothy after her friend Becky scoffs at the idea of a “Chinese” person playing the part. When Ms. Malone, the theater teacher, casts Pacy as the munchkin who gives Dorothy a gift, Pacy worries that the audience will whisper and laugh at her for that role too. However, the confidence that Pacy’s teacher shows in the girl’s abilities implies that she is not worried about what the audience might think of this casting choice, because she knows that Pacy is perfectly capable of filling the role. Accordingly, Pacy discovers during the performance that her self-conscious worries are unfounded.