Because of Winn-Dixie — Chapter 16

About This Passage

This passage contains one of the most important ideas in the whole book, and it is delivered in the smallest possible words. Notice the quiet back-and-forth rhythm of the conversation — Miss Franny says 'secret ingredient,' Opal says 'I know it,' Miss Franny asks 'what is it,' and Opal answers 'I can taste it' before Miss Franny finally says the word 'sorrow.' The word arrives alone, on its own line almost, which makes it land with its full weight. Then Miss Franny adds 'not everybody can taste it,' which tells Opal that she has a gift for noticing sadness. The gift is both a blessing and a burden — it means Opal can share in other people's feelings, but it also means she will always be the kind of person who notices the sad parts. Copying this passage teaches a writer how to deliver a big idea through small, simple dialogue.

Narration Prompt

Retell the chapter. Why did Litmus decide to make candy after the war? And what did he put in the candy that made it special?

Discussion Questions

1. Litmus decided the world had 'enough ugly things in it' and that he would 'concentrate on putting something sweet in it.' What does this choice tell us about Litmus? Is making candy a small answer to a big problem, or is it just the right size?
2. Amanda Wilkinson tears up when she eats the candy. Then she says 'it makes me miss Carson' and runs out of the library. Who is Carson? The chapter gives us a clue — 'I wondered what in the world Amanda Wilkinson had to feel sad about' — that tells us Opal does not yet know. Why does the chapter make us wait for the answer?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide