The title, A Painted House symbolizes the desires of one rural farming family.  Each year crops such as cotton are planted in an attempt to crawl their way out of the massive whole of debt they have dug.  However, not enough crops are picked and as a result, they plunge further into debt each year.  With money so tight, the Chandlers never would have imagined spending money on such a silly thing as paint, until Trot came along.  Trot, a small physically impaired member of the Spruill family, secretly started painting the side of the Chandler house with the financial aid from his sister, Tally.  The job remains uncompleted once the Spruills are forced to return home.  Luke feels obligated to finish the job Trot started.  With each stroke of the paint brush, pride seems to be seeping into the Chandler family.  Everyone aids in the painting of the house including the mexicans, and Luke’s father.  With only one side of the house remaining to be painted, Luke’s parents decide to take the risk and move up north for a better life and opportunities.  The story ends with Pappy’s promise to finish the project and the Chandler’s dreams and hopes almost reached.