Slob

Chapters 9-12 continue to establish Owen’s version of events, a series of misconceptions that emphasize his unreliability as a narrator. Owen’s view that intelligence is synonymous with correctness contributes to his misconceptions of reality and others and the Identity and Self-Image theme. Owen’s belief that Mason is hiding a switchblade in his sock is another indication of Owen’s lack of empathy. In this way, Owen contributes to the bullying culture of Martha Doxie School that enables students to continue isolating one another based on physical appearance. In an ironic example of mistaken assumption, Owen allows Jeremy to work with him as he builds Nemesis, carefully explaining the steps he takes and how it will work. He assumes that Jeremy cannot understand and enjoys participating in the revenge that he is planning. In actuality, Jeremy uses this information to create the elaborate trick that Nemesis is functional.

This section of the novel reveals the trauma that underpins Owen’s issues. Central to the trauma he describes to Nima is Owen’s inability to act through his fear and shock during his parents’ murders. The author also uses a repetition of the boulder imagery to explain Owen’s standing helpless and blocking Jeremy from entering the crime scene. This demonstrates that Owen’s metaphor is not really about his size. Instead, the imagery refers to his power and role as a barrier. When he becomes aware of the crime after the first shot is fired, Owen becomes a barrier as he allows her to sleep until the second shot is fired. He then lies, explaining the sound of the shot was likely the furnace. While his attempts to protect Jeremy save their lives, the guilt he feels leads to avoidance and repression when he is unable to face the memories of the event. Owen is disturbed by Jeremy’s ability to talk openly about the night of their parents’ murder because it conflicts with his avoidance, a coping mechanism that creates conflict in his life.

While Owen feels helpless, this establishes his role as a protector, punctuating the Power, Negligence, and Bullying Behavior theme. It also leads to his inability to recognize Jeremy’s true character as well as her growth throughout the novel. This imagery facilitates his self-image as an older brother that she can look up to, but also contributes to her ability to trick Owen. Jeremy is able to deceive her protective older brother, as Owen continues to casually disregard the bullying he experiences as school. Owen’s encounter with Andre further develops the complexity of intentional and unintentional bullying. Owen is aware that Andre’s casual cruelty regarding his weight is likely unintentional, instead based on a lack of awareness. Owen’s participation in spreading gossip about Mason is an ironic example of a similar unintentional bias, an action that enables the bully culture by isolating students like Mason. This gives other students more power over the victims of bullying behavior. Central to this behavior is a lack of empathy and understanding for Mason that establishes him, like Owen, as a grotesque character. These characterizations and Owen’s interactions with Andre are important elements within the Power, Negligence, and Bullying Behavior theme.

Zelda, Owen, and Jeremy also make strides in their relationship in these chapters as well. When Jeremy brings up her parents with their adoptive mother, the reference reveals that Jeremy’s use of Zelda’s name is not typical conflict between mother and daughter. Instead, it is a refusal to accept a replacement for their mother in a new home. Zelda’s acceptance of Jeremy’s comment lets Jeremy know that she understands the girl’s reluctance, creating an understanding between the two made obvious by their shared laughter. When the reader becomes aware of Owen’s narrative deception regarding Zelda’s role within their lives, Owen is forced to confront the issue. This is an important moment in the Identity and Self-Image theme, highlighting perspective as an important literary device to develop the generic elements of the Bildungsroman and mystery.