Here's a breakdown of how the rising action unfolds:
Initial Conflicts and Setting the Stage:
* The Dust Bowl: The novel opens with the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl. Billie Jo's family is already struggling with the drought and its effects on their farm. This sets the stage for the central conflict of survival and loss.
* Billie Jo's Talents: We learn about Billie Jo's talent for music, her love for the farm, and her close bond with her mother. This establishes her happiness and the foundation that will be shattered.
Escalating Events:
* The Dust Storm: The devastating dust storm that kills Billie Jo's mother and burns her father's face marks a turning point. This tragedy plunges the family into deeper despair and creates a sense of hopelessness.
* The Loss of the Farm: The dust storms continue, leading to the loss of their crops and ultimately, their farm. This signifies the loss of Billie Jo's home and her connection to her family's history.
* Billie Jo's Isolation: With her father increasingly distant and her mother gone, Billie Jo begins to withdraw from the world. Her relationship with her father deteriorates, further isolating her.
* Internal Struggle: Billie Jo's internal conflict intensifies as she grapples with grief, guilt, and anger. She feels responsible for her mother's death and struggles to connect with her father.
Climax Approaching:
* The Leaving: The rising action culminates when Billie Jo decides to leave her father and the farm. She seeks a fresh start, but it's a painful and difficult decision that symbolizes the end of her childhood and her connection to the land.
* Finding Hope: Billie Jo finds a sense of hope in her music. It becomes a way to express her emotions and find solace.
Overall, the rising action in "Out of the Dust" is a journey of loss, despair, and the struggle for survival. Billie Jo's resilience and her discovery of her own strength amidst the devastation lead to a final act of hope and independence.