101 pages • 3 hours read
Nic StoneDear Martin
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
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BetaSymbols & Motifs
Manny's Watch
After Manny's death, Manny’s parents give Justyce the watch they intended for Manny on his 18th birthday. First, the watch "is vintage and worth more money than Mama's ever had in her bank account at once" (137), and for Justyce it symbolizes the affluence of the Rivers family. Justyce is reminded in this moment that Manny's life was quite different from his own. For Justyce, the watch also symbolizes Manny's stolen future, and the grief that overtakes him as he accepts this gift is overwhelming. While Justyce struggles to contain his emotions, the Rivers also experience this as a symbolic moment. Passing this watch to their son's best friend "means a lot to [them]" (137), suggesting that in doing so, the memory and spirit of their son will continue. Later, the watch has that very effect as Justyce speaks with Jared at Manny's grave. Justyce claims that he "can feel the EJR on his watchband" (208), suggesting that the watch, as a physical reminder of Manny, prompts Justyce to forgive Jared.
Blake's Ku Klux Klan Costume
Stone includes the Klan costume as an overt symbol of the inability of many of the white characters in this novel to identify problematic or offensive actions or statements. Justyce and Manny are immediately uncomfortable with the costume, but Blake is completely unaware, exclaiming that "this right here is the genuine article" (41). While Justyce and Manny stifle their reactions, Justyce in the interest of "intergroup and interpersonal living" (41) and Manny because he is conditioned to ignore his white friends' faux pas, the Black Jihad members at the party do not. The symbolic meaning of the Klan costume is clear to them as one that denotes racism, hatred, and violence. Therefore, their reaction includes punching Blake and making it clear that his costume was offensive.
Martel's Shotgun
When Justyce enters Martel's house, he is terrified because of "rumors about all the drugs and guns hidden inside" (159-160), but Martel's calm demeanor and willingness to listen to Justyce's struggles lulls him into a more comfortable state. However, Stone includes the shotgun under the table as a symbolic reminder of the violence and danger that is inherent in Martel's world. It serves as a reminder to Justyce that "no matter how chill Martel seems, the dude is a criminal" (162). Stone also offers readers a bit of irony in that when Justyce notices the gun, he is "sprawled on his back across the giant ankh at the center of Martel's Egyptian rug" (162). The ankh, a symbol of life, lies in direct contrast with the function of the shotgun that is likely used in Martel's efforts to "strike back" (163). Finally, Stone also uses the shotgun as a symbol of Justyce's desire to do the right thing and live according to King's decree of nonviolence. Upon seeing the gun, Martel's spell over Justyce is immediately broken, and Justyce can feel "the fear that seems to have elbowed its way in front of his fury" (163), helping to solidify Justyce's belief that Martel and the Black Jihads are not the answer for him.
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