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
Ari assures Sam that he’s not going to go after the other boys. He says that he’s not going to pay for Julian’s ER visit if the boys don’t have to pay for Dante’s hospital stay, and Dad can take the truck away if he wants. Mrs. Quintana smirks. Ari says that Julian can also call the cops, but he doesn’t think it’s going to happen. Later, Dad doesn’t argue with Ari about not paying for Julian’s bill. He says that Sam spoke to the witness, but the old lady insisted she can’t recognize the boys. Julian’s dad comes by to speak with Dad and leaves looking unhappy. Dad, however, doesn’t take Ari’s truck away.
When Dad doesn’t take Ari’s truck away or force him to pay for Julian’s hospital bill, it’s an important way for Dad to show Ari that when Ari is ready to accept his sexuality, Dad will have his back. This also encourages Ari to do the right thing if something similar comes up in the future, as it shows Ari that he doesn’t need to fear punishment for behaving loyally and taking care of his friends.
Themes
