Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Identity, Ethnicity, and Masculinity
Silence and Trauma vs. Communication
Family and Coming of Age
Intellectualism and Emotion vs. Physical Strength
Summary
Analysis
On the Fourth of July, Ari, Mom, and Dad watch fireworks together, and Dad lets Ari have a beer. Mom pretends to disapprove but only confirms that Ari has drunk before and hasn’t driven while drinking. She says that Aunt Ophelia used to say that Franny was the Fourth of July, and Ari asks what happened to Franny. Franny died of cancer six years ago. Mom came to the funeral. Ari notes that Franny used to send him Christmas gifts, and Mom says they should’ve told him about her death.
For Ari, learning that Aunt Ophelia was a lesbian adds a layer of complexity to his parents as people. Mom was clearly supportive and very close to her sister, which helps Ari conceptualize who she is aside from being his mother. Ophelia herself shows Ari that he can make a good life for himself if he chooses to accept his own sexuality.
Themes
