The Unsung Hero

Julia is a very interesting sister. At the start of the novel I was sure that there was going to be some sibling rivalry but even though Jason may get upset because she can say whatever she wants, we see that she really is looking out for him. Whenever she is around and Jason may be getting attacked by their father she quickly steps in and diffuses the situation by embarrassing him. I think the scene with her uncle quite perfectly sums up her character. How she is able to be quick on her feet and use that to her advantage quite easily. Jason would be the same way if not inhibited by his stammer. I think Julia will play a key part in this novel and how Jason starts to think of himself. Julia is the role model Jason needs.

Jason and Hugo

Jason finds Hugo impeccable. Jason is at a very impressionable age and I think we sometimes forget this due to his vocabulary and his real understanding of social constructs. I think this was an amazing touch from Mitchell because I think most of us had someone we looked up to a lot. I know I have a friend that I thought was amazing. Fortunately, I am still really good friends with him and, unlike Jason, I think he is still a pretty cool guy. This is probably the most relatable thing I have read all semester though just because it feels so real and the fact that Jason starts to see through his facade. Jason isn't a stupid kid and we seem to forget this sometimes with the whole dynamic of his family but it is more the fact that he is afraid to speak up to his parents. Jason needs to realize that he can be just as cool as Hugo if he just acts like himself. In the words of Holden Caulfield, he needs to stop being such a phony. Jason is only 13 which means he is trying to figure himself out and his stammer really isn't helping but I think it's a good thing that he is looking for role models but Hugo should not be the one.