About the title
The plot tells the story of 17-year-old Jem Starling, whose life experience is limited to a narrow community of religious fundamentalists. She grew up in a closed world where there is no room for any beliefs other than complete devotion to divine power. The rules of this community even dictate what clothes women must wear, leaving no room for personal choice or individuality. So Jem lives in constant fear that her family and community will discover her true desires and hopes. As she approaches adulthood, Jem's parents find the perfect match for their daughter — the pastor's younger son, Ben. However, several things stand in the girl's way. First, she loves to dance and is part of a troupe that performs at services and other events. And second, she falls in love with the pastor's older son, Owen, who has just returned from missionary work.