The Education of Dicey Tillerman

In Cynthia Voigt’s Tillerman Cycle, the various novels from Dicey’s perspective (Homecoming, Dicey’s Song, and Seventeen Against The Dealer) show Dicey’s emotional growth, and the lessons she learns. Dicey learns lessons in trusting people close to her, and strangers in the first novel. As the series progresses, Dicey learns how she wishes to define her relationship with femininity. Additionally, Dicey simultaneously forgives Momma and reframes her memory of Momma’s femininity into strength. As the series draws to a close, Dicey divides herself from her family, but eventually returns. Upon reentering and restructuring her family to mirror their adult selves, Dicey moves into adulthood. Through experiencing various changes, Dicey learns invaluable lessons that shape her into a good person with a strong sense of self.