Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Spoiler Free Review and Synopsis:

 I am terrible at writing synopses so here is the one from Wikipedia: "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a coming-of-age young adult novel by American author Benjamin Alire Saenz which was first published in 2012.  Set in El Paso, Texas in 1987, the novel follows two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, their friendship, and their struggles with racial and ethnic identity, sexuality, and family relationships." 

This book is beautifully written! I loved it so much! I literally just finished reading in an hour ago and I read it in like 6 hours, I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend it to any reader who loves friendship, romance, and coming of age stories.  This book is largely based on character development so if you are looking for action (although there is some "action" in it, it is not the main focus) this is not the book for you however if you are looking for an amazing book about self discovery this is a great book for you.  

Spoiler Review:

I loved this book so much! The only thing stopping me from giving it a 5 star review is that I felt that Aristotle's struggle with his sexuality was a bit under played. I felt like he never really thought about the possibility of him being gay or bisexual. Like it was something very apparent through out the story, at least for me, that he was falling in love with Dante but I felt Ari didn't even notice it in terms of the narration until his parents sat him down. I just wish there was some sort of recognition by Ari in the narration in the possibility of being anything other than straight. But other than that little thing I freaking loved this book.

"The problem with my life was that it was someone else's idea."

I think I fell in love with this book when I read that statement on the title page of the first section, "The Different Rules of Summer" It just set the stage for this being a coming-of-age story and I have a special place in my heart for coming-of-age stories. 

 I also fell in love with Ari from the very beginning of this book.  He is my favorite character in this book, very closely followed by Dante of course. Ari is just some angsty, awkward, funny, and sweet. I got a Holden Caulfield type vibe from him and I was digging it. I also really related to his "pseudo only child" thing because I am the youngest in my family by seven years and have been the only kid at home for a long time and I loved that description of feeling like you're the only child when you aren't. I just love everything about how this book begins.  I love the teen angsty and finally a YA novel with parents actively engaged in the story!!! In most YA books the parents are either villain like characters or aren't very present but both characters parents were very present in this book. 

Another thing I liked about the beginning of this book was meeting Dante and how adorably he was portrayed from the very beginning with his little allergies! It made my heart sing! 

This book deals a lot with masculinity and family relations and I loved the juxtaposition between Dante's and Ari's families.  I really liked the comparison between Dante and Sam who are very lovey and open with each other and Ari and Jaime's very closed relationship.  I really loved the further development between their families and how Ari, Jaime, and Lilly all became much more open with each other. 

I loved Legs! I love dogs so much! And I loved her weird name! Which brings me to the "accident". I audibly gasped out loud at that. It was perfect too because my father just happened to interrupt my reading at that point in the story and I'm siting there like "DID DANTE JUST DIE?!?" because the last thing I read was that there was a car swerving around the corner.  My nerdy soul was like "Dad, what could you possibly want at a time like this!" Anyways, all I can think about in retrospect of reading that scene is that actions speak louder that words.  Ari clearly loved Dante enough to put his life in danger but it wasn't until the next summer that Ari finally had enough courage and self awareness to face it.  

Then there was Dante the next summer who got the shit beat out of him and I cried.  It was so messed up and broke my heart.  Why other people care about everyone else's sexuality is beyond me.  And when Ari was describing how badly Dante had been hurt I was so ready for that scene with Julian.  Like how dare you do that to my beautiful little Dante! 

All together I really loved the build up between Dante's and Aristotle's relationship.  I loved watching their relationship evolve and I loved how it was very clear that their relationship was built on foundation of friendship. I really loved too how both sets of parents were so loving to both boys and were so aware of their situations and present.  I just loved all the relationships in this book, they were so sweet. 

The only characters I couldn't stand were Ari's sisters who were barely even mentioned but I still hated them. 

As for Ari's brother, I thought it was so sad what happened.  It broke my heart how much it effected his family, which I mean how could it not? I can't imagine what I would do in that situation.  I don't really know what else to say about this story line other than the fact I'm glad their family finally opened up to talking about it. 

I could go on about this book for days but I just wanted to hit the major points.  Now below I'm going to write my favorite quotes and moments from the book:

"I didn't like the fact that I was a pseudo only child. I didn't know how else to think of myself. I was an only child without actually being one. That sucked."

I liked this one because I related to it. I don't have close siblings and it feels like I'm the only child.

"Not talking can make a guy pretty lonely."

I just liked this because its true.

"I had a feeling there was something wrong with me.  I guess I was a mystery even to myself. That sucked. I had serious problems."

I really liked the "mystery even to myself" thing because I feel like that is a large part of growing up.  And if I may also use this to contradict myself, I like how this directly applies to Ari's "private war" and his sexuality. So yes his internal struggle is addressed and this is found towards the beginning of the book however this attitude remains until the end of the book when his parents force him to confront his love for Dante. 

"I got to thinking that poems were like people. Some people you got right off the bat. Some people you just didn't get-and never would get."

I just thought this was beautiful and accurate. 

"That afternoon, I learned two new words. 'Inscrutable.' And 'Friend.'"

I just thought this was freaking adorable. As I've already made fairly clear I love Dante's and Ari's friendship.  

"There were so many ghosts in our house-the ghost of my brother, the ghosts of my father's war, the ghosts of my sister's voices.  And I thought that maybe there were ghosts inside of me that I hadn't even met yet. They were there. Lying in wait."

I loved this! And if I may yet again contradict myself I like how this again ties back to his internal struggle with his sexual orientation.  I also think it just really goes with growing up.  There are a lot of things you don't learn about yourself until something comes along and makes you confront ghosts you didn't even know you had. 

"'I wished it was raining,' he said.

'I don't need the rain,' I said. 'I need you.'"

I liked this allusion back to when Ari said something along the lines of "boys like me need the rain" when no, in reality, guys like Ari just need their Dantes. 

YA Authors: Rick Riordan, Cassandra Clare, and Tahereh Mafi

I love to read but I haven't had a lot of time or motivation to read lately so I hoped writing the following blogs would me get back into the habit. 

Here are a few of my favorite YA Writers:

• Rick Riordan

(My Favorite Rick Riordan Book)

His books fall into a younger reading level, however, I think his books are universally entertaining.  I also think he creates the most amazing characters. He has the ability to cover heavier subjects while keeping his books enjoyable and upbeat.  His books are just fun! And they teach you things and make you feel strong emotions! He and JK Rowling make up my childhood and bring along a feeling of such nostalgia.  I’d recommend him to anyone, I think anyone can find joy in his writing.

• Cassandra Clare

Her books are my guilty pleasure.  They’re full of angst, romance, fantasy, interlaced with important issues.  The social issue most apparent in her books is sexuality and self acceptance.  In fact, my favorite of her characters is probably the embodiment of this issue.  Alexander Gideon Lightwood, how I love his sassiness and unconditional love! His story line of growing up and accepting himself is beautiful.  She creates such beautiful and relatable characters. I believe she has a lot of skills considering I can relate so strongly to a warlock girl born in 19th century New York.  It is a is probably a mix of the fantasy in her books and her amazing characters that make me love them so much. I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and over dramatic romances. 

• Tahereh Mafi  

I LOVE AARON WARNER! I group read Shatter Me with three friends in jr. high and I believe this is part of why I love it too much.  I have such happy memories around this story and inside jokes! It's also just beautifully written and full of sass. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves romance and character development. 

Unexpectedly Inspired

I have had a terrible week.  I’ve been upset in all sorts of ways this week.  And for some reason the only thing that has cheered me up this week is music, specific “pop” country music, even more specifically this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lH54eA4i8s

Why am I telling you this? I have two reasons:

1. My english teacher today reminded us we have to have 20 blog posts and I am behind. (This is mainly because I don’t know what to write about. I just don’t feel that inspired and when I do I get create the shit found on this blog. Though, you will mostly find different essays or reviews I’ve written about books I’ve read, more of which will be coming soon.)   
2. Today I am feeling inspired. My english teacher told us today that he had found a song on one of his student’s blogs that impacted him.  He told us we could write about songs we like and music.

Honey, I can do that.  I can rant and rave about music and books all day, I just had not thought to rant about music.  So, the song I chose today, linked up above, is Shut Up and Fish by Maddie & Tae.  It's not inspiring and doesn’t really portray any important message, it just makes me happy.  It makes makes me think about summer and honestly, I am so ready for summer.  I’ve never been a summer person but the idea of the summer is appealing to me right now.  Sun and being outside instead of being trapped in a desk in a school just sounds amazing.  It's giving me something to look forward too and motivates me.

I hope you have a better week than I did,

Megan

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

I do not remember writing this book report but I found it the other day and it made me smile.  I am a very big fan of Cassandra Clare's books (I'm planning to write a blog about that later this week).  I read City of Heavenly Fire in ninth grade, which is when this was probably written. 

Here is the prompt: 

Describe 10 things that happened in the book and then write about what you learned about life/our world from the book. (Fiction: Friendship, hate, persistence, love, overcoming difficulties, difficulties… Non-Fiction: facts, how to…)

Here is what I wrote:

1.   What was happening in the book?

Alec and Magnus broke up in the previous book.  Alec is at the beach with his friends but all he does is text Magnus.  Jace tells Alec he needs to stop thinking about Magnus and enjoy himself.  He takes and breaks Alec’s phone.  Isabell suggests that since the rest of the group had already tried talking to Magnus that Jace should try.  Jace said he would try but Alec needed to spend some time just hanging out not thinking about Magnus.  

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned the true friends will do what is needed for you to be happy, even if it's not what they/you want. 
   

2.  What was happening in the book?

Sebastian (the antagonist) has threaten the clave and all shadowhunters living in the mundie world.  The Lightwoods, Garraways, and Clary have to evacuate to Idris.  Magnus, Alec’s new ex-boyfriend, comes to say goodbye and tell him to stay safe.  Clary makes Simon, her ex-boyfriend and best friend, promise to stay safe and out of the way.  She tells him that she loves him.  

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned that when you love someone, no matter how bad your relationship situation, you want them to be safe and you want the best for them.

3.   What was happening in the book?

The Blackthorn children are the only witnesses to their father’s and brother’s murder/kidnapping.  The Clave uses the mortal sword to interrogate Julian, the oldest male Blackthorn.  His best friend Emma sees that the sword is hurting him and screams for the interrogation to be called off.  She is told to stand down and Julian reassures her that everything is okay.  She runs off very upset.  Later Clary goes to talk to her and tells her she is brave.  

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

That sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to let someone do something by themselves. 

4.  What was happening in the book?

Raphael joins Sebastian’s, the bad guy, side and is told to kill Magnus.  He loves Magnus as a friend and owes him his life.  Raphael sacrifices himself to save Magnus.

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned that you should always do the right thing no matter how it hurts you.  I learned that people will do anything for someone they love.

5.  What was happening in the book?

Jace sees a sword at the top of a statue.  He climbs the statue against everyone's advice he climbs the statue and takes it.  They are attacked by demons and Isabelle is bitten.  She almost dies but Simon saves her.

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned you should always take other’s safety into account.

6.   What was happening in the book?

Simon hasn’t had any blood (he is a vampire) in four days and is starving.  He can’t drink Jace’s blood and Jace won’t let him drink Clary’s so Alec volunteers his own.  Alec and Simon go of down into a cave for some privacy.  They talk about a few different things like Alec’s ex-boyfriend, Simon’s relationship with Alec’s sister, and Alec’s view of vampires.  The conversation ends with Alec saying he approves of Isabelle and Simon relationship.  

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

Most people would do anything for someone they love.

7.  What was happening in the book?

Julian Blackthorn’s possessed father is killing innocent people..  He goes after Julian’s little brother Ty and Julian kills his father to protect his brother.  Ty screams at Julian that he hates him for killing their father but Ty would be dead if he hadn’t.   

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

Doing the right thing not always easy.

8.  What was happening in the book?

Clary kills her brother with heavenly fire.  The little good that is in him remains just long enough for him to apologize and save everyone from his doomsday trap.  He dies in his mother’s arms.  

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned that their is good in everyone.  I also learned that death brings out a person’s true personality.

9.  What was happening in the book?

Clary, Jace, Alec,. Magnus, Isabelle, and Simon were trapped in Hell and their only way out was either Magnus or Simon giving up their immortality and their memories.  Magnus was willing to but Simon wouldn’t let him.  Simon gave up his immortality to save his friends and lost them in the process.

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned that true friends will put their safety and happiness in front of their own.  I also learned that true selflessness takes true courage.  

10. What was happening in the book?

Robert Lightwood’s only living biological son has told him that unless he quits being negative with him and the rest of their family that Alec will cut off all ties with with him.  Robert sees Alec at his old friends’, Luke and Jocelyn, wedding.  He talks to Alec about how he is sorry for everything that he has done and that he really is trying to make amends.  Alec decides that he will continue talking to his father but he is on a short leash.

What did you learn about life from what was happening in the book?

I learned that forgiveness is a process.  It takes a lot of time and a lot of work but it is worth when you get to the end. 

Don’t Burn or Ban Books

For an English class I was required to write this email.  I discuss censorship of literature. 
Dear intended recipient,

My name is Megan Frost.  I am a sophomore student at Taylorsville High School in Taylorsville, Utah.  In my English class fellow students and I were required to read Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451.  It is a dystopian novel about a man named Guy Montag.  He is employed as a fireman.  Firemen are charged with the job of burning books, hence the title Fahrenheit 451, the temperature at which books burn. The story begins when Montag, he is referred to by his last name in the text, meets a peculiar neighbor named Clarisse McClellan, She makes him think deeper about his job and the society's way of living. Two big themes in this book are censorship and the importance of gaining perspective from books which will be the focal point of my email to you.

Although in our current times we do not have firemen that burn books we do have book censorship.  Book censorship is the banning of books that are considered objectionable.  One famous book series banned from certain libraries is the Harry Potter series. Factmonster.com explains, “The Harry Potter books are a good example of this: some think they are wonderfully imaginative books that have done much to encourage kids to read; others, who think the Potter books should be banned, think they are a bad and corrupting influence on kids.” One arguement against banning Harry Potter is explored by scientificamerican.com referencing a study published in Science Magizine. Scientificamerican.com states the following, “A study published last year in Science found that reading literary fiction, as opposed to popular fiction or nonfiction, results in keener social perception and increased empathy — empathy being defined more or less as the ability to alternate between different perspectives on a particular person or situation. Literature with complex, developed themes and characters appears to let readers occupy or adopt perspectives they might otherwise not consider; and it seems that Rowling might get at the beautiful, sobering mess of life in a way that could have a meaningful impact on our children’s collective character.”

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is another book that has been on and off banned book lists. According to the American Library Association it has been on banned on thirteen different occasions. It was written in the beginning of the civil rights movement, a movement to grant African Americans equal rights. According to resources.mhs.vic.edu.au “The novel climbed to the top of the New York Times Best Seller's list as it began to make its remarkable impact on a divided nation.” According to socialistworker.org “It's as an anti-racist novel of the civil rights movement, with its deep commitment to social justice and full equality--this is what earned it such a wide appeal.” It is said it had a long lasting effect on society and has historically relevant information.  The book itself was based off of things the author witnessed in her childhood.    

Another argument against censorship displayed by factmonster.com is that it infringes on first amendment rights.  It states, “The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees our right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to read and write books that might be considered by some to be too violent, hateful, or offensive. Because this freedom is one of our fundamental rights as Americans, some people feel that any form of censorship is wrong.”

In Fahrenheit 451 censorship is a clear theme. One character, Captain Beatty, is in favor of censorship, saying, “The bigger your market, Montag, the less you handle controversy, remember that!... Authors, full of evil thoughts, lock up your typewriters. They did.” But the society in the text is viewed by the main character in the book, Montag, and his friend, Faber, as being stuck in its place with no room for growth. Ray Bradbury states in his book that “There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”   

Thank you for your time,

Megan Frost  

The Dangers of Isolation: Lessons learned from Lord of the Flies and Of Mice and Men

In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men it is clearly presented that isolation is both figuratively and literally a death sentence.  Isolation is dangerous because it provides no outside protection, it leads to bad decisions, and can lead to depression.

    Isolation makes a person vulnerable.  In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men the two main characters, George Milton and Lennie Small, are two migrant workers during the Great Depression.  Lennie has a mental disorder that often affects his ability to get work.  George says the following about being isolated, “You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get. Jus’ keep me shovin’ all over the country all the time” (Steinbeck 11). They lose their jobs and are forced to move around a lot restricting their budget and making them vulnerable.  They are isolated with no permanent neighborhood or family outside of themselves. Isolation or living on the outskirts of society leaves them without a safety net.  There is no one to look after or protect them besides each other.

Isolation provides no protection. In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies the cast of characters, six to twelve year old boys, are the survivors of a plane crash and are stranded on an island. Two of the main characters realize that none of the adults survived the plane crash and that the surviving boys were scattered all over the island.  These two lead characters call a meeting to establish some order or sense of community.  At this meeting a little boy with a mulberry-colored mark on his face steps forward with the help of an older boy to say he has seen a “beastie” on the island.  The main protagonist and character leading the meeting, Ralph ridicules him for saying the beastie came at night by declaring, “‘Then he couldn’t see it!’” (Golding 36). After this comment the little boy is forgotten as the story progresses until a later meeting one of the older boys says “‘That little ‘un that had a mark on his face-where is-he now? I tell you I don’t see him’” (46). The little boy was isolated, forgotten because of his seemingly unrealistic observations.  He is placed in a very dangerous and vulnerable situation with no one to protect him. Beastie or no beastie it is not safe to be isolated.  When he needed comfort and reassurance, he was ridiculed and disbelieved.     

Isolation leads to bad decisions.  In Lord of the Flies the boys on the island elect Ralph as their chief.  One of the boys named Jack also wanted to be chief but settled for being in charge of the hunters. As the situation on the island escalates Jack tries for a re-vote for chief. “‘Hands up,’ said Jack strongly, ‘whoever wants Ralph not to be chief?’

The silence continued, breathless and heavy and full of shame. Slowly the red drained from Jack’s cheeks, then came back with a painful rush. He licked his lips and turned his head at an angle so that his gaze avoided the embarrassment of linking with another’s eye” (127).

Jack runs off to the forest and decides to form his own tribe.  He convinces the boys to participate in a hunting dance in which the boys dance around in a circle chanting “‘Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!’” (152) One of the boys named Simon ends up in the middle of the circle and was killed by all the other boys. The violence only escalates from there.  “‘[Jack]’s going to beat Wilfred.’  

‘What for?’

Robert shook his head doubtfully.

‘I don’t know’” (159).

Jack extended himself emotionally when he publicly asked for approval and validation as the chief and when he wasn’t chosen he turned his anger and resentment into hatred.  Since he was emotionally compromised he made the decision to try and divide the island.  That decision  and his later actions led to a lot of suffering on the island.  The division created competition and animosity. His selfishness and feeling of betrayal fueled poor decisions.  Instead of thinking about the needs of everyone stranded on the island, Jack thought only about his needs, and what he was good at.  He enjoyed the company of his fellow hunters and decided to elevate them above Ralph’s group and create his own tribe.  To maintain his status with the hunters he had to foster the opposition and create his own misguided sense of community. He wasn't isolated in a physical sense but he was emotionally withdraw with no care for logic.     

Ralph, the main protagonist from Lord of the Flies, begins to feel isolated once he loses most of his followers to Jack´s new tribe.  He wishes for the boys to remain in a group even taking part in their hunting dance.  In the book it says “Piggy and Ralph, under the threat of the sky, found themselves eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society” (152).  Ralph knows what they are doing is demented but has the fear of being isolated.  In their wild frenzy the boys end up murdering a fellow stranded child named Simon.  His fear of isolation drove him to act in a way he originally wouldn’t have.         

Isolation leads to depression.  In Of Mice and Men, Lennie accidentally kills his boss’s son’s wife.  George kills his best friend Lennie to save him from the wrath of the husband of the woman he killed. George reacts by looking “steadily at his right hand that had held the gun” “But sat stiffly on the bank and looked at his right hand that had thrown the gun away” (Steinbeck 107). George has known Lennie in the story longer than the story has been told. They began the story isolated together.  George emotionally isolated himself by destroying his closest relationship.  Whether he understood the consequences or not, he further isolated himself.  From George’s reaction it is clear he is very distressed and will live with the psychological effects of killing his best friend for the rest of his life.  He will feel the impact of his emotional isolation for the rest of his life.   

Isolation has negative effects on your emotional well-being.  In Lord of the Flies Ralph is forced to hide from Jack’s angry tribe in the forest. “He knelt among the shadows and felt his isolation bitterly” (Golding 185).  His best friend Piggy is dead as well as his friend Simon.  The twins Sam and Eric joined Jack’s tribe and “were guarding the Castle Rock against him” (186). He feels so alone he even resorts to trying to visit Samneric saying “It’s only me. Ralph” (187). Ralph is clearly broken from his isolation on the island.  He has no one left.  He resorts to going to a place he is not welcome in search of human interaction.  He proves that isolation inhibits your logical mind and emotionally damages a person.

Some may argue, isolation is safer than inclusion because it eliminates peer pressures, it limits danger from other people, and it promotes clearer thinking. However, in comparison, the original claim is better supported.   

Isolation is dangerous because it provides no outside protection, it leads to bad decisions, and leads to depression. Humans are social creatures and require interaction. Isolated, we have no one to share our thoughts, ideas, and fears with.  Left alone with these thoughts without a contradiction, we can allow poor decisions and ideas to breed and sprout without opposition to test or strengthen the reason behind the thoughts.  Safety or strength of conviction is best created through trial and error, contrasting different thoughts and opinions.  Seeing their consequences and then evaluating and taking the good and reducing or eliminating the bad.

        

Works Cited

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. New York: Penguin Group, 1954.

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1993. 

Codependency in A Separate Peace by John Knowles

In tenth grade I had the amazing opportunity to read A Separate Peace. I loved it, I even went after school to rant to my English teacher about my fangirlly feelings. I wrote the following essay about the one of the themes in the beautiful piece of art: 

A Seperate Peace Essay: 

A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a novel taking place during World War II. Told from the point of view of Gene, the main character, it tells the tale of two teenage boys (periodic).  Gene tells the story of his friendship with Finny in their time at the Devon School.  One theme very present in this text is Codependency and its relation to a person’s identity.  The codependency in Gene and Finny’s relationship greatly affects their identities because it fuels their competitive nature, drives their actions, and without Finny, Gene seems lost.

Another common theme in this novel is competition and it is very apparent in Gene and Finny’s relationship.  One of the main issue leading to the climax of the book in chapters four and five is Gene’s fear that Finny is trying to sabotage him. His fear hangs like a cloud over his head (simile), changes the way he sees Finny, and displays how he sees himself. “Because it was what you had in your heart that counted. And I had detected that Finny’s was a den of lonely, selfish ambition. He was no better than I was, no matter who won all the contests” (Knowles, 26).  He connects both of their identities to their competitiveness.  This view changes how he acts.

In chapter four when Gene and Finny go to jump off a tree into the river, an activity they do frequently, Gene jounced the branch causing Finny to fall (compound-complex).  This is a very drastic action caused by Gene’s identity found in competition.  Finny, however, seems to see them more as friends than competitors saying, “ ‘I hope you’re having a pretty good time here. I know I kind of dragged you away at the point of a gun, but after all you can’t come to the shore with just anybody and you can’t come by yourself, and at this teen-age period in life the proper person is your best pal.’ He hesitated and then added, ‘which is what you are,’” (Knowles, 21). Recognizing their dependency, Finny, says he is willing to spend his teenage years, a time of self discovery, with Gene. Understanding their relationship, Finny, would like to spend time discovering their identities together, driving his actions.

In the chapters following Finny falling out of the tree and shattering his leg, Finny is absent because he is in the infirmary and then the hospital. Without Finny, Gene is trapped in a fog of confusion trying to make his way out (metaphor).  After Finny is taken to the infirmary, Gene has the following moment back at their dormitory: “But when I looked in the mirror it was no remote aristocrat I had become, no character out of daydreams. I was Phineas, Phineas to the life. I even had his humorous expression in my face, his sharp, optimistic awareness. I had no idea why this gave me such intense relief, but it seemed, standing there in Finny’s triumphant shirt, that I would never stumble through the confusions of my own character again” (Knowles, 29).  Is it the shirt or the reminder of his tie to Finny that comforts him (rhetorical question)?  

The codependency in Gene and Finny’s relationship greatly affects their identities because it fuels their competitive nature, drives their actions, and without Finny, Gene seems lost.  Their personalities are so different but they share the commonality of how they identify themselves (anaphora). Each other (rhetorical fragment).  Their identities are like conjoined twins sharing a heart, they need each other to survive (personification).