Ramona Forever

In the novel’s first few chapters, Beverly Cleary characterizes Ramona as an energetic, social, and sensitive girl. Her reaction to Mrs. Kemp’s scolding shows her keen sense of fairness as well as her sensitivity to unjust punishment and rejection: “‘But I didn’t do it!’ protested Ramona. ‘It’s not my fault […] Ramona sat, and Ramona seethed, angry at the unfairness of all that had happened” (21). Ramona’s emotional reaction to Mrs. Kemp’s meanness propels the story forward, motivating Ramona to act responsibly and try to take care of herself at home so she never needs to be under Mrs. Kemp’s care again: “She did not care what anyone said. She did not care what happened. She was not going to be looked after by someone who did not like her” (25). Ramona’s clearly stated intentions indicate her sense of self-determinism and agency and underline the emotional motivations of the plotline. This introduces the theme of The Highs and Lows of Growing Up as Ramona’s statement shows her at a turning point of increasing independence and that she feels the tensions this creates in her life.

During the new arrangement, the novel explores how Ramona is divided between her urge to play wildly with her desire to prove she can be good: “By Wednesday Ramona began to dread being good because being good was boring, so she was happy to see Howie coming down the street, wheeling his bicycle with his unicycle balanced across the seat and handlebars” (43). This inner conflict makes Ramona a relatable child protagonist, as she longs to be active and go out with her friends but knows that she is supposed to listen to her big sister. This early section establishes Ramona’s curiosity, sensitivity, and strength, which will make her a dynamic and somewhat unpredictable main character throughout the rest of the novel.

This opening section also sets up Ramona’s active imagination and capacity for reflection. By frequently referring to Ramona’s inner thoughts on her interactions with grown-ups, the author establishes the theme of Children’s Perspectives on Relationships. For instance, Ramona resents feeling left out, even when the grown-ups around her do not intend to make her feel that way. At the dinner table, Ramona strains to be included, trying to offer something interesting to the adult’s conversation by bringing up Howie’s uncle: “Now that she was the center of attention, she wished that she had more information […] the conversation drifted off, leaving Ramona behind” (11). Ramona’s loss of confidence her balances out her assertiveness on other occasions, emphasizing her vulnerability as a child and making her a sympathetic protagonist.

The novel also explores this theme by presenting the limits of Ramona’s understanding of the adult world. Ramona also wishes that grown-ups were easier to understand and more patient with her. When Mrs. Kemp says, “Really, I don’t know what got into you children this afternoon,” Ramona privately blames Mrs. Kemp and Uncle Hobart: “Ramona could have told her in one word: grown-ups” (25). Ramona’s earnest explanations can be humorous to adults and, when she does not understand why, she feels belittled. Indeed, many of Ramona’s private thoughts provide humor in the story. For example, after Uncle Hobart’s relentless teasing, Ramona decides she does not like the man: “Ramona stared at her book as she thought mean, dark thoughts about Uncle Hobart” (16). This humorous tension escalates when she informs Uncle Hobart that she is not Howie’s girlfriend and that her babysitting is “strictly a business arrangement” (14). Uncle Hobart laughs at her, deepening her distrust of him. By providing a window into Ramona’s perspective, Cleary shows Ramona’s relationships from her point of view, deepening the reader’s sympathy for her and showing how adults often misunderstand children.

In these passages, the author also establishes a theme on The Bond Between Siblings by showing Beezus’s and Ramona’s fluctuating relationship. Both Beezus and Ramona seek each other’s support, but in different ways that reflect their age dynamic. Ramona enjoys Beezus’s company and feels safer with her big sister around. When she is upset with Mrs. Kemp, Ramona misses Beezus: “She longed for Beezus to come, so she could feel someone was on her side” (25). When Ramona wants to come home after school, Beezus supports her idea, saying, “I could watch her” (33), an idea that serves both of their interests. The sisters share secrets together, such as Beezus’s belief that their mother is pregnant. However, the sisters also resent each other at times. Ramona is unimpressed with Beezus’s authority and wishes she did not have to listen to her “bossy” big sister after school: “Beezus would act big. Beezus would be bossy. She and Beezus would quarrel with no one to stop them” (33). Likewise, Beezus is annoyed by Ramona’s impulsivity and childishness. The novel shows the complexity of this relationship through Ramona’s mixed feelings of anger and guilt after she loses her temper: “Ramona, however, found she could not read, she felt so terrible, even though she was angry, about hurting her sister’s feelings in a way she had not intended” (47). This passage helps the young reader to consider the nature of negative emotions and how to navigate them in relationships. Beezus and Ramona’s dynamic relationship adds realism to their characters and invites the reader to cheer them on as they increasingly learn to collaborate and appreciate each other.