How does Percy Academy serve as a microcosm for the larger societal issues explored in the book?

Percy Academy, a predominantly white private school, highlights the isolation Miah feels as one of the few African American students, making him an 'outsider' even among his peers. Ellie, despite being white, also feels like an outsider due to her family's unspoken struggles and the emotional distance she experiences, creating a shared sense of otherness that initially draws them together.

What internal struggles does Ellie face that make her connection with Miah particularly significant?

Ellie is grappling with unspoken 'family demons,' which are hinted at as a pervasive sadness and a sense of disconnection within her home life. Her relationship with Miah provides a much-needed emotional anchor and a space where she feels truly seen and understood, offering a stark contrast to her often-stifling home environment.

What specific challenges does Miah encounter as one of the few African American students at Percy Academy?

Miah faces subtle but constant microaggressions and the burden of representing his race in a predominantly white institution. He often feels the pressure to conform or to be 'less Black' to fit in, and his internal monologue reveals the exhaustion of navigating this racial landscape daily.

How does the book's ending impact the reader's understanding of the title, 'If You Come Softly'?

The title, 'If You Come Softly,' takes on a poignant and tragic meaning in light of the ending, suggesting the delicate and vulnerable nature of their love, which needed gentle acceptance but ultimately faced a harsh reality. It implies a longing for a world where their love could exist without external judgment or brutal interruption.

Are there any subtle clues early in the narrative that foreshadow the eventual tragic ending for Ellie and Miah?

While not explicit, the recurring theme of their secret relationship and the constant worry about how others would react subtly builds a sense of impending doom. The narrative's emphasis on their isolation and the unspoken anxieties about their future together hint that their happiness might be fragile and temporary.

How does the author use imagery related to light and shadow to deepen the emotional landscape of their relationship?

Woodson often uses imagery of shadows and hidden spaces when Ellie and Miah are together, emphasizing the secrecy and vulnerability of their love. Conversely, moments of joy and connection often feature descriptions of light, highlighting the brief, illuminating moments of happiness they find amidst their hidden struggles.

What role do Ellie's poems play in revealing her true feelings and the unspoken aspects of her life?

Ellie's poems serve as a direct window into her innermost thoughts and emotions, often expressing the 'family demons' and the depth of her love for Miah that she struggles to articulate verbally. They are a safe space for her to process her complex feelings about her family's silence and her burgeoning relationship.

How does the dual narrative perspective (Ellie's and Miah's) enhance the reader's understanding of their individual and shared experiences?

The alternating perspectives allow readers to deeply empathize with both characters, understanding Miah's racial struggles and Ellie's family burdens independently, while also seeing how these individual challenges intersect and strengthen their bond. It highlights their unique internal worlds and how they converge in their shared love.

How does the secrecy of Ellie and Miah's relationship contribute to their individual psychological development?

The secrecy forces both Ellie and Miah to develop an internal strength and a reliance on each other, as they navigate their feelings without external validation. For Ellie, it's an act of rebellion against her emotionally distant family; for Miah, it's a private sanctuary from the racial pressures he faces.

Discuss the psychological impact of being an 'outsider' on both Ellie and Miah, despite their different reasons for feeling that way.

Both characters experience feelings of isolation and otherness; Miah due to his race and Ellie due to her family's unspoken issues. This shared psychological state fosters a deep empathy between them, as they find solace in someone who understands the feeling of not fully belonging, even if their reasons differ.

How does Miah's internal struggle with his racial identity manifest in his interactions with Ellie and his peers?

Miah's internal struggle with his racial identity makes him initially hesitant and guarded, particularly with Ellie, as he anticipates judgment or misunderstanding. With his peers, he often feels the pressure to perform or to be accepted, leading to moments of frustration and a desire to simply be seen as himself, not just as a Black student.

What psychological barriers prevent Ellie from openly discussing her 'family demons' with Miah or her friends?

Ellie's inability to discuss her 'family demons' stems from a combination of shame, loyalty, and perhaps a learned silence from her family environment. She fears judgment or burdening others, and the unspoken nature of these issues at home makes it difficult for her to articulate them even to those she trusts.

Does the book suggest that love can truly conquer all, or does it offer a more nuanced and perhaps pessimistic view?

The book offers a nuanced and ultimately tragic view, suggesting that while love can create profound connection and happiness, it is not always enough to overcome deeply entrenched societal prejudices and unforeseen circumstances. It highlights the vulnerability of love in a world that isn't always kind or understanding.

How does the author challenge or reinforce common Young Adult romance tropes through Ellie and Miah's story?

Woodson challenges the 'happily ever after' trope by introducing a brutal, realistic ending, while reinforcing the trope of 'love at first sight' or 'fated lovers' through the intense immediate connection between Ellie and Miah. She grounds their romance in significant social commentary, elevating it beyond a typical YA love story.

What is the significance of the characters' ages in the context of their relationship and the societal challenges they face?

Their young age (high school students) amplifies the intensity and innocence of their first love, making their struggles with societal prejudices and family expectations even more poignant. They are at a formative stage where their identities are still developing, making the impact of their relationship and its challenges particularly profound.

How might the story be interpreted differently if told solely from either Ellie's or Miah's perspective?

If told solely from Ellie's perspective, the focus might heavily lean into her family struggles and the transformative power of Miah's love, potentially downplaying Miah's unique racial burdens. Conversely, Miah's sole perspective might emphasize racial identity and external pressures, perhaps making Ellie's internal family issues less central.

What message does the book ultimately convey about racial prejudice and the possibility of interracial relationships in society?

The book conveys a powerful message that while love can transcend racial lines, societal prejudice remains a formidable barrier, capable of inflicting deep pain and even tragedy. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by interracial couples and the need for greater understanding and acceptance.

Could the ending be interpreted as a critique of society's inability to accept and protect certain kinds of love?

Yes, the ending strongly serves as a critique. By making 'life make the brutal choice for them,' the narrative implies that society, through its ingrained prejudices and lack of empathy, ultimately fails to protect their tender and unconventional love, highlighting the devastating consequences of intolerance.

If You Come Softly Summary by Jacqueline Woodson | BookBrief

Name: If You Come Softly
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.05 (8742 reviews)
ISBN: 9780142406014

At Percy Academy, a privileged school, a girl with inner struggles and a boy facing racial isolation find love in secret, only for it to end tragically.

Synopsis

Elisha (Ellie) and Jeremiah (Miah) are outsiders at Percy Academy. Ellie, a white girl, deals with unspoken family issues and feeling out of place. Miah, one of the few Black students, feels the weight of racial isolation. They connect, starting a secret romance. They find comfort and understanding in each other, a escape from their different worlds and the judgment they expect from friends and family who would not approve of their interracial relationship. As their love grows, they manage the challenges of their hidden relationship, the fear of being found out, and their own personal struggles. However, their hope for a future together ends when Miah is killed by police, leaving Ellie with deep grief, public outcry, and the lasting memory of their forbidden love.

Reading time

90 min

Difficulty

Easy

Pacing

Moderate

Mood

Bittersweet, Poignant, Romantic, Melancholy

✓ Read this if...

You're looking for a poignant, character-driven young adult romance that explores themes of first love, racial prejudice, and tragic loss.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer romances with a happy ending or are not prepared for a story that deals with sudden, intense grief and social injustice.

Plot Summary

First Encounters at Percy Academy

Elisha, known as Ellie, starts her freshman year at Percy Academy, a private high school in New York City. She feels like an outsider, dealing with her parents' recent separation and her mother's emotional withdrawal. Jeremiah, or Miah, a junior, also goes to Percy. He is one of the few African American students in a mostly white school. He carries the weight of his family's expectations and the subtle racism he faces daily. They first see each other in the hallways and at lunch, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, a shared sense of being different in a place that wants everyone to conform. Ellie is drawn to Miah's quiet strength, and Miah is interested in Ellie's thoughtful manner.

Shared Isolation and Magnetic Pull

Ellie finds it hard to connect with her new classmates, feeling misunderstood and burdened by her home life. Her parents' separation makes her feel lost and invisible. Miah, despite having some friends, often feels alone at Percy, always aware of his race and the stereotypes others put on him. He wants a deeper connection than what he finds among his peers. Their eyes meet more often, a quiet understanding passing between them. They start to spend time together during free periods and lunch, finding comfort and recognition in their shared feelings of being outsiders, despite their different backgrounds and grades.

First Conversations and Budding Connection

Their first real conversations are careful but deep, often happening in the library or quiet parts of the school. They talk about their feelings about Percy, their families, and their hopes. Ellie shares her struggles with her parents' split and her wish for a stable home. Miah tells Ellie about the pressure he feels as a talented Black student in a white school and his dream to be a writer. They find they have many shared interests in books, music, and a similar view on life. These conversations quickly deepen their connection, moving beyond just knowing each other to a growing friendship that feels more important than anything either has felt before.

A Secret Relationship Blossoms

As their bond grows stronger, Ellie and Miah realize they are falling in love. They start meeting outside of school, walking in Central Park, visiting museums, and talking for hours on the phone. Their relationship becomes a private world, a safe place from the pressures of school and family. They know their friends and families might judge them. Ellie's friends might not understand her dating a Black boy, and Miah's family might have expectations about who he should be with. This secrecy makes their romance more intense, making every stolen moment feel special, but also creating a constant worry about being found out.

Conflicting Worlds and Internal Struggles

Ellie, who is white, and Miah, who is Black, come from different parts of New York City. Ellie's family is rich but broken, while Miah's family is close and supportive, with a strong sense of community. These differences, while not stopping their love, make them face societal expectations and biases. They talk about race, class, and identity, learning from each other's views. This internal navigation of their different backgrounds, combined with the external pressure of keeping their relationship secret, creates constant tension. They worry about how their parents, especially Ellie's, and their friends will react if they find out about their interracial relationship, adding fear to their happiness.

Growing Closer, Despite the Secrecy

Despite the need for secrecy, Ellie and Miah's relationship thrives. They spend weekends exploring the city, sharing their dreams and fears. Miah shows Ellie jazz clubs and new neighborhoods, broadening her world. Ellie shares her love for books and art with Miah. They become each other's confidants and main source of emotional support. They find in their love a strong answer to their individual feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their bond grows stronger with each shared laugh, each comforting touch, and each late-night phone call, making the thought of their love being exposed even harder.

Fears of Exposure and Parental Reaction

As their love grows, so does their fear of being found out. Ellie worries about her mother's reaction, knowing her mother is already busy with her own problems and might not accept an interracial relationship. Miah is concerned about his parents, not because they are biased, but because he fears their protective instincts and hopes for his future might make them disapprove of any distraction. The pressure of keeping the secret starts to weigh on them, casting a shadow over their otherwise joyful connection. They have brief, difficult talks about telling their families, but always put it off, unable to face the possible consequences.

An Argument and Brief Separation

The stress of their secret relationship eventually leads to an argument. Ellie expresses her frustration with always hiding, wanting their love to be recognized openly. Miah, more careful, argues for continued discretion, fearing the negative effects on their lives and studies. This disagreement shows their different ways of coping and the outside pressures on them. They briefly separate, each feeling misunderstood and hurt. This time apart is painful, making them realize how important they are to each other's happiness and strengthening how much they love each other. This ultimately brings them back together with a renewed commitment.

Reconciliation and Renewed Hope

After their brief separation, Ellie and Miah realize they cannot be without each other. They make up, reaffirming their love and promising to handle challenges together. They decide to be more open with each other about their fears and worries, improving their communication. This reunion brings a new sense of hope and determination. They start to carefully discuss plans for the future, imagining a life where their love can be open and accepted, even if they do not yet know how to achieve it. They are stronger for having faced a challenge, and their bond feels more resilient than ever.

A Fateful Night and Tragic Ending

One evening, after leaving a jazz club, Miah is walking home alone. Police officers stop him, mistaking him for a robbery suspect. Despite his efforts to cooperate and explain, a misunderstanding escalates, and Miah is tragically shot and killed. The news shatters Ellie's world, leaving her devastated and numb. The circumstances of his death, caused by racial profiling, show the harsh realities and injustices of the world they lived in, a world their love had tried to rise above. Ellie is left to cope with immense grief, the loss of her first love, and the brutal unfairness of his death.

Grief and Public Outcry

Miah's death causes outrage in the community, especially among the African American population. His family is heartbroken, and the media covers the story, highlighting racial tensions and police brutality. Ellie goes to Miah's funeral, a sea of unfamiliar faces, where she feels both a deep connection to Miah's grieving family and a strong sense of being an outsider to their shared cultural experience. Her own grief is made worse by the public nature of the tragedy and the racial implications, making her private sorrow part of a larger, painful story. She begins to process her grief, finding comfort in memories and the lasting power of their love.

Ellie's Lingering Love and Memory

Afterward, Ellie struggles to deal with the huge loss. She finds herself going back to places they shared, holding onto the physical memories of their time together. The secret love she once valued now becomes a painful, public memory, but also a source of strength. She thinks about the deep impact Miah had on her life, how he opened her eyes to new ideas and helped her find herself. Though their time together was tragically cut short, Ellie understands that their love was real and changed her. She decides to carry his memory, forever changed by the boy who came gently into her life and left a lasting mark on her heart.

Principal Figures

Elisha (Ellie)

The Protagonist

Ellie evolves from a lonely, insecure girl burdened by family issues to a young woman who experiences profound love and devastating loss, ultimately finding strength in memory and her own voice.

Jeremiah (Miah)

The Protagonist

Miah begins as a young man quietly navigating racial and academic pressures, finds profound love and acceptance with Ellie, and tragically becomes a victim of racial injustice, his potential unfulfilled.

Ellie's Mother

The Supporting

Remains largely static, representing the unaddressed emotional issues within Ellie's family.

Miah's Parents

The Supporting

They experience profound grief and public outrage after Miah's death, highlighting the devastating impact of racial injustice on families.

Ellie's Friends (e.g., Sarah)

The Supporting/Mentioned

Remain largely static, serving as a backdrop against which Ellie's personal journey unfolds.

Police Officers

The Antagonist (indirect)

They are static figures, serving as the catalyst for the tragic climax.

Themes & Insights

The Power and Fragility of First Love

The novel shows the intense, changing nature of first love between Ellie and Miah. Their connection offers comfort and a sense of belonging amidst their individual struggles, creating a private world of understanding and joy. This theme appears in their secret meetings in Central Park, their shared talks about books and dreams, and their reliance on each other for emotional support. However, the story also shows how fragile this love is, especially when it faces outside societal forces. Miah's sudden and violent death brutally ends their new happiness, showing how vulnerable even the strongest love can be to the harsh realities of the world.

“He came softly, into my life, like a whisper. And he left with a scream.”

Racial Identity and Prejudice

A main theme is the exploration of racial identity and the widespread impact of prejudice, especially through Miah's experiences as a Black student in a mostly white school and in society. Miah is always aware of how he is seen because of his race, leading to feelings of isolation and pressure to do well. The secrecy of his relationship with Ellie, a white girl, is partly due to fears of societal judgment. This theme tragically ends with Miah's death, which is clearly shown as a result of racial profiling and police brutality. This highlights the terrible real-world effects of prejudice. The novel makes readers confront the harsh realities of racial injustice.

“He knew, even then, that the world saw him differently, and that difference could be deadly.”

The Burden of Secrecy

Ellie and Miah's choice to keep their relationship a secret is an important theme, driven by their fears of disapproval from friends and family, especially concerning their interracial romance. This secrecy at first builds a deep closeness, creating a sacred, private space for their love. However, it also becomes a heavy burden, adding stress and worry to their relationship. Their arguments about telling others about their love show the strain this secrecy puts on them, highlighting the emotional cost of living a hidden life. The irony is that their love, kept secret to protect it, is ultimately exposed and destroyed by outside forces they could not control.

“Our love was a secret, a quiet thing, afraid of the loud world.”

Loss and Grief

The novel is a deep exploration of loss and the process of grief. Miah's sudden and unfair death puts Ellie into deep and overwhelming sadness. The story carefully details her emotional journey through shock, disbelief, and the painful reality of a future that will not happen. Her grief is not just for Miah, but for the loss of what could have been, for the innocence broken, and for the brutal injustice of his death. The theme stresses that while grief is painful, it also shows how deep the love was, and that carrying the memory of a loved one can be a source of lasting strength and change.

“How do you go on when the best part of you is gone?”

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Foreshadowing

Subtle hints and anxieties about Miah's vulnerability in a prejudiced world.

Foreshadowing is used subtly throughout the novel, primarily through Miah's internal monologues and conversations with Ellie about the racial dynamics he faces. There are discussions about how others perceive him, the pressures he feels as a Black student, and the dangers inherent in navigating a society prone to racial bias. These moments create an underlying tension and a sense of unease, hinting at the tragic event to come. For instance, Miah's cautiousness about their secret relationship, partly rooted in a desire to protect himself from external judgment, subtly prepares the reader for the vulnerability he ultimately faces.

First-Person Perspective (Alternating)

Shifts between Ellie's and Miah's internal thoughts and experiences.

The novel employs an alternating first-person perspective, switching between Ellie's and Miah's viewpoints. This device allows readers to deeply understand the internal worlds of both protagonists, their individual struggles, hopes, and fears. It highlights their different backgrounds and racial experiences while simultaneously emphasizing their shared emotional landscape and the profound connection they forge. This dual perspective builds empathy for both characters and makes Miah's eventual death even more devastating, as the reader has intimately connected with his inner life and potential.

Symbolism of Secrecy

The hidden nature of their relationship represents vulnerability and resistance.

The secrecy surrounding Ellie and Miah's relationship acts as a powerful symbol. Initially, it symbolizes their intimate, private world, a sanctuary from the judgmental gaze of their peers and families, and a space where their love can flourish without external interference. However, it also comes to symbolize their vulnerability and the societal pressures that threaten their interracial romance. The act of hiding their love highlights the 'loud world' (as Ellie describes it) that they fear, making their decision to keep it quiet a form of resistance, but ultimately, a tragic testament to the dangers that lie outside their carefully constructed bubble.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“And it was like that for us. Like we were always the only two people in the world.”

— Ellie reflects on the intensity of her and Miah's connection.

“Maybe love was like that, a thing that came softly and surprised you.”

— Ellie contemplates the unexpected nature of her feelings for Jeremiah.

“He was a boy who wrote poems in his head, even when he wasn't writing them down.”

— Ellie describes Jeremiah's poetic nature and inner world.

“The world was a different place with him in it.”

— Ellie feels her perspective shift after meeting Jeremiah.

“It was just a kiss, but it felt like everything.”

— Ellie's first kiss with Jeremiah is deeply significant.

“Sometimes you just knew a person, knew them down to their bones.”

— Ellie describes the immediate understanding she has with Jeremiah.

“We were two halves of something that hadn't been whole until we found each other.”

— Ellie reflects on their sense of completeness together.

“It wasn't just about what we said, but what we didn't have to say.”

— Ellie highlights the unspoken understanding between them.

“He taught me that silence wasn't always empty. Sometimes it was full of everything.”

— Ellie learns about the depth of shared silence from Jeremiah.

“And for a little while, the world wasn't broken. It was just us.”

— Ellie finds solace and escape from external troubles in their relationship.

“You can't choose who you love, not really.”

— Ellie acknowledges the uncontrollable nature of falling in love.

“He saw me, really saw me, in a way no one else ever had.”

— Ellie feels truly seen and understood by Jeremiah.

“It was like we'd been waiting for each other our whole lives.”

— Ellie describes the feeling of inevitability and rightness in their meeting.

“Love didn't have to be loud to be strong.”

— Ellie realizes the quiet power of their bond.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

The central conflict stems from their differing racial backgrounds and the societal pressures that accompany them. Ellie is white and Miah is Black, and their relationship is set against a backdrop of friends and family who they anticipate will not understand or approve, leading them to keep their love a secret at Percy Academy.

About the author

Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is an American writer of books for children and adolescents. She is best known for Miracle's Boys, and her Newbery Honor-winning titles Brown Girl Dreaming, After Tupac and D Foster, Feathers, and Show Way. After serving as the Young People's Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, she was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, by the Library of Congress, for 2018 to 2019. She was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2020.

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