Aristotle and Dante: A New Age Bildungsroman

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     Benjamin Saenz develops a character through Ari that is extremely relate-able to kids who are facing the heavy obstacle of confronting their sexuality. What is impactful is not just the stereotypical norm for teens in this situation in coming out to their parents is shown, but also the internal battle between what Ari does not realize he is, and what he wants to be. Saenz shows how the internal battle is just as menacing as external conflicts as far as bullying and fears of judgement.
   
      Dante's character does not line up with the stereotypical, homosexual teen experience. He is confident and comfortable in himself. If Saenz were to create a coming of age tale that would create a story line around just a guy like Ari, who experiences immense internal struggles and fears for his self image without a literary foil to oppose what Ari seems is impossible, the novel would be much less effective at showing a hopeful and practical coming of age story.
   
      Another powerful aspect of the story is how Ari grows. In the beginning he is depressed. He says thing like "Feeling sorry for myself was an art" (13), and "The problem with my life is that it was someone else's idea" (8). This feeling of self loathing, and isolation is common among many teens, but the fact that he did not yet know himself internally until his relationship grows with Dante would make it truly impossible for him not to feel empty and untitled to being happy. It is impossible to be satisfied and happy with yourself until you can come to terms with who you are. Ari had not yet learned who he was sexually or emotionally, until he slowly realizes his affection for Dante which eventually allows him to be happy.

Comments

  1. Ally DunlapSeptember 17, 2019 at 2:15 PM

    I agree with you about how Dante's character does not line up with the "stereotypical, homosexual teen experience". One thing I find interesting is that this book is set in the 80's, and as discussed in class, people were not as accepting of things during that time. However, I think Saenz does a great job of presenting two different characters with different personalities. This allows adolescent readers to relate to either character. Do you think that Ari's growth during the novel is realistic? Do you think that adolescents going through similar struggles can fully overcome them/become more optimistic?

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