I thought clay must feel happy in the good potter's hand

I thought clay must feel happy in the good potter's hand

In the context of Janet Fitch's work, particularly her novel "White Oleander," the quote "I thought clay must feel happy in the good potter's hand" takes on a deeper meaning. The protagonist of the novel, Astrid Magnussen, experiences a tumultuous and often painful journey of self-discovery and growth. Throughout the novel, she is shaped and molded by the various people and experiences in her life, much like clay in the hands of a potter.

At the beginning of the novel, Astrid is a young girl who is deeply influenced by her mother, Ingrid, a charismatic and enigmatic woman who is imprisoned for murder. Ingrid's strong personality and unconventional beliefs leave a lasting impact on Astrid, shaping her worldview and sense of self. As Astrid navigates the foster care system and encounters a series of different caregivers, she is continually molded and shaped by their influence, much like clay in the hands of a potter.

The quote "I thought clay must feel happy in the good potter's hand" can be interpreted as a reflection of Astrid's journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. Just as clay must trust the potter to create something beautiful and meaningful, Astrid must learn to trust herself and the people around her in order to find her own sense of identity and purpose. Through her experiences and relationships, Astrid gradually learns to embrace her own strength and resilience, ultimately becoming the master of her own destiny.