When Johnny loses the job on the grounds of recklessness, he worries about money for his new family. Lack of money is a constant stress on this family. The only way they can live there is if Katie cleans the houses and works as the janitress in exchange for rent. Katie is always doing physical labor in order to allow her family to continue to survive despite their lack of funds. Katie realizes that money is not the key to prosperity, success, and richness.
Education is the key.
She knows that her children will have better lives if they are educated. Education will lead to economic well being. Francie's teacher at school is cruel to the poor kids and does not allow them to go to the bathroom. Francie believes her negative treatment is a result of her poverty, of which she does not think she should be ashamed. Johnny's death reminds the family of their dire economics problems.