Novalee Nation Is A Good Role Model

Everybody in society depends on a role model to look up to for advice. A role model must be able to influence an individual in a positive way. Being a role model does not necessarily mean the individual is responsible for the decisions one makes; it means that they are motivational. In Where the Heart Is, the author, Billie Letts, illustrates characters that can be looked up to as an example for the decisions one will make. Novalee Nation is a motivational individual that overcomes many obstacles. She examines the future to overcome the obstacles she faces. An examination of Novalee Nation's strength, her caring attitude, and responsibility towards other individuals in the novel proves that she is a positive role model to teenagers in society

To begin, she is able to pick herself up after events that usually bring sorrow. When Thelma Husband dies, Novalee holds together and accepts her passing although she was her support. Novalee Nation knows that she has to stay calm and pick herself up when she finds out that Sister is in the hospital: “Novalee learned early how to shut off the part of herself that wanted to cry, to scream… the par that wanted to rip out the tubes, pick sister up in her arms and carry her home” (Letts 235) By examining Novalee’s acceptance of the passing of Thelma Husband it is evident that she is a good role model to society today. Additionally, Novalee is able to stay composed when she encounters unexpected incidents. In the novel, Novalee’s daughter, Americus Nation, is stolen from her. When Novalee finds out about her daughter's missing, she does not blame other people for the occurrence. She does not panic, but stays calm all throughout the journey of finding her daughter. This event significantly shows strength because it is tragic

Firstly, during Novalee’s pregnancy, she shows affection towards her baby although she does not have support from anyone at the time. When travelling to California, Novalee feels her stomach to find the baby’s heartbeat. This depicts her caring attitude because although she does not have any support, as a caring mother, she makes sure that she is taking care of the baby and herself. Moreover, Novalee does anything to make others feel loved and cared for. In the novel, Benny Goodluck confesses to Novalee that he has not had his first kiss. When Novalee realizes his embarrassment, she decides to kiss him, over looking the age difference between the both of them. Novalee did this because Benny is a important individual to her as he helped her previously. By the gesture of kissing Benny on the lips, it is clear that Novalee is caring because she focuses on individuals happiness, proving that she has a caring attitude towards others. Lastly, Novalee Nation is able to forgive the bad choices others have made, and cares for them. For instance, when Novalee finds out that Willy Jack is in the hospital, sha takes action right away. Novalee stops what she is doing and rushes to meet up with Willy Jack: “Novalee didn’t do her laundry or her hair. She made two quick calls, then got Americus up and took her to Moses’ and Certains” (Letts 347). Novalee’s caring attitude can be