The title is not that important to the novel, but it does aid in understanding one of the book's main themes, that the quality of life is very important. Homer Macauley: This responsible young man has become the man of the house by supporting his family with an after school job. But with this job comes responsibility and the hardships of growing up. Homer learns to deal with the problems of the world and with the acceptance of death. Mrs. Macauley. She is the all-knowing loving mother, She understands her children and the problems they are going through, but she lets them deal with their own problems themselves. She has the experience and wisdom to gui