Anthropomorphism

"When you lift an arm, or when someone sits up in bed, you can feel this pale, shadowy movement all around you in the tiles." page 18

The use of anthropomorphism in this instance is effective in describing the feel and mood of the recovery room occupied by Kathy's friend, Ruth. The two shared stories, thoughts, and memories in this room while Ruth was under Kathy's care. The tiles all around were pristinely white and clean which made movement resonate. The qualities attributed to the movement are not literal, but instead figurative. Pale movement insinuates that the movement appears slight. The shadowy movement could mean that the movement is not clear but rather mysterious.

I believe that Tommy had a small epiphany after his conversation with Miss Lucy that he did not have to be creative if he did not want to be. This changed his attitude which in turn made others treat him better because he did not let the small things create the tantrums the instigators wanted to happen. This turnaround also caused curiosity within Kathy who had been closely watching Tommy and the way he was bullied (not physically picked on because of his intimidating physique). She could not figure out why everything just stopped and Tommy was not the victim any more, even when he told her.