Index Summary Themes Characters Literary Elements Conclusion The Homeless Bird is a novel by Gloria Whelan that tells the story of a young girl named Koly who is forced into an arranged marriage and ultimately finds herself alone and homeless in India. The novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This essay will provide a complete summary of The Homeless Bird, analyzing its key themes, characters, and literary devices. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Summary The Homeless Bird opens with Koly, a thirteen-year-old girl living in a small village in India. Koly is excited about her upcoming marriage to a boy named Hari, but her dreams are shattered when Hari dies unexpectedly. Koly's parents are unable to support her, so they make her marry a sickly boy named Raji in exchange for a dowry. Koly is devastated by the prospect of marrying a dying boy, but she has no choice. After marriage, Koly moves in with Raji and his family. She quickly realizes that she is not welcome in their home and is treated as little more than a servant. Koly's situation becomes even more dire when Raji dies shortly after their wedding, leaving her alone and destitute. Koly's mother-in-law blames her for Raji's death and refuses to provide any support. With nowhere else to turn, Koly strikes out on her own, determined to build a life for herself. As Koly faces the challenges of being a homeless youth in India, she encounters a variety of characters who help and hinder her along the way. She forms a close bond with a kind-hearted widow named Sass, who takes her in and teaches her the art of embroidery. Koly also meets a young man named Chandra, who becomes a source of support and friendship for her. However, Koly also faces prejudice and mistreatment from others, including a cruel woman who accuses her of theft and a man who tries to force her into prostitution. Despite these challenges, Koly remains determined to build a better life for herself. She takes odd jobs and uses her embroidery skills to earn money, slowly but steadily gaining independence and self-sufficiency. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and resilience, as well as the power of hope and the human spirit. The novel ends with Koly finding a sense of belonging and purpose as she continues to pursue her dreams and create a better future for herself. Themes The Homeless Bird explores several important themes, including resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit. Koly's journey is a testament to the strength of human will, as he faces numerous challenges and setbacks but refuses to give up. Despite the adversity she faces, Koly remains determined to create a better life for herself and refuses to let her circumstances define her. His resilience serves as an inspiring example of the human ability to overcome hardship and find hope despite despair. Another important theme in the novel is the power of hope. Throughout her journey, Koly maintains hope that things will get better and that she will be able to create a better future for herself. This hope supports her in the darkest moments of her life and gives her the strength to move forward. The novel reminds readers of the importance of hope in the face of adversity and the ways it can help us persevere and find meaning in our lives. Characters The Homeless Bird features a diverse cast of characters who play a significant role in Koly's journey. Koly herself is a complex and compelling protagonist, whose strength and resilience make her one..