The Saturdays

In the final chapters, Enright resolves the theme of The Fraught and Formative Bonds Between Siblings by describing the Melendy children’s moments of tension, joy, and togetherness at home and at Mrs. Oliphant’s lighthouse. The children’s varying reactions to Mrs. Oliphant’s invitation highlight the differences in their personalities: Younger siblings Rush and Randy are immediately excited by the idea of escaping the hot, busy city and having a long beach vacation. Rush enthuses, “‘Wouldn’t it be swell if father said yes!…I think it’s swell and I think she is too’…‘I do too,’ said Randy wholeheartedly” (153). Meanwhile, eldest sister Mona is more self-conscious about accepting Mrs. Oliphant’s generous gift, as her adolescent insecurity leads her to worry about being perceived as a charity case. Being older, she is more aware of the role that social class plays in the dynamic between their family and their wealthy, European neighbor Mrs. Oliphant. She asks Mrs. Oliphant, “But isn’t it—I mean, wouldn’t it be a-a-an imposition?” (151). These differing opinions lead to some conflict between the kids. By persuading Mona to shed her anxieties and accept the invitation, the Melendy siblings show how they communicate well and positively influence each other.

In these passages, the children also show their strong bond through mutual support. For instance, when Randy accidentally leaves her dress on a lightbulb, causing a fire, her siblings remind her of their own mistakes to reassure her. Randy tells her, “‘Remember I was the one who left the furnace door open when we almost suffocated,’ he comforted her. “You’re no worse than I am’” (155). Rather than using Randy’s mistake as an opportunity to elevate himself above her, Randy offers solidarity. The Melendy siblings also show their supportive nature by expressing their gratitude to Randy for her great idea of establishing the club: “‘Well, here we are,’ said Rush. ‘Thanks to you, Randy, and the ISAAC. You know I think maybe I’m going to like this even better than the valley.’ That was a swell idea of yours, Randy,” Mona told her” (174). As Mona and Rush acknowledge that all the siblings have benefited from Randy’s idea, they help her to forgive herself for the fire.

The story’s ending also reinforces the theme of Finding the Unexpected in the Everyday. The author describes the children’s joy at leaving New York city and boarding the train to Kettle Neck. As city kids, the Melendy children delight in this simple but novel experience, excited to see the countryside by train. The author writes that “Oliver got chocolate all over the windowpane” and “Randy stared out the window frankly interested” (161). When the Melendy siblings arrive at the lighthouse, the real fun begins as they explore the unusual and luxurious home, marveling at the Steinway grand piano, corkscrew staircase and sunroom. This opportunity came to them because of Randy’s willingness to engage with Mrs. Oliphant when she ran into her at the museum. By opening herself to new relationships and experiences, Randy changed the trajectory of the summer for all her siblings. 

The author’s description of the children exploring the shoreline around the lighthouse shows their pleasure in making new discoveries. Even though Randy is cold from her swim, she is completely absorbed in studying the sea life around her: 

Randy walked along the rocks exploring. Her knees and elbows were lavender, her teeth chattering, and she was covered with gooseflesh; but as long as Cuffy didn’t know it Randy could ignore it. She came to a little pool full of sea water and kneeled down shivering, to examine it. She saw barnacles, and seaweed, and blueblack mussels, and some tiny turreted shells that wobbled decorously across the floor of the pool (169). 

In addition to their exploration of the lighthouse, the Melendy children also insightfully reflect on how Randy’s creative idea encouraged them all to embrace everyday adventures and the discoveries that they bring. Mona connects their Saturday adventures with their lighthouse vacation, telling her sister, “Just think, if it hadn’t been for the ISAAC Rush would never have found Isaac, and you wouldn’t have made friends with Mrs. Oliphant, and we wouldn’t have been here at all!” (174). By acknowledging how their openness to discovery and adventure has brought them wonderful new friendships and experiences, the children conclude this theme on a happy note.