Chapter 50

Summary When it is time for Sissy to deliver her baby, she decides that she wants to go to the hospital, which stuns her family. When the baby boy arrives, he is blue and still, and Sissy is crushed. The doctor, however, administers oxygen to the baby and manages to revive him. Sissy is absolutely thrilled and names her son Stephen Aaron.

Evy's husband, Flittman, decides to enlist in the army, but he is turned down. Disillusioned by his rejection, he takes to bed and considers himself to be a failure. Sissy comes to his aid and encourages him to get out of bed. He then buys a number of musical instruments and practices becoming a one-man band.

This chapter is really about the extended family rather than about Francie herself. Everyone is surprised that Sissy wants to have her baby in the hospital, but her decision saves the child's life. When the infant boy is born, he is still and blue, but the doctor revives him with oxygen. Sissy is thrilled to finally have a child of her very own. Sissy then works her magic on Flittman, Evy's husband. When he tries to enlist in the war effort, he is rejected. Feeling a total failure, he takes to the bed. Sissy visits him and gives him a purpose for living. Soon he is practicing to become a one-man band. The reader still questions if this weak man can ever be a success.

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