Slob

Jeremy attempts to dissuade Owen from revenge, realizing that Owen’s attempts to find the murderer are a cover for larger issues. Owen’s extreme, angry reaction to her suggestion reinforces this notion, referring to Zelda by her name for the first time. His comments about Jeremy’s current reluctance to participate in project Nemesis is further evidence of this. Owen’s ironic accusation that she no longer cares because of her good fortune and happiness also suggests that Owen is aware that his fixation is contributing to his obesity and unhappiness. Owen learns how incorrect his assumptions about Jeremy have been and destroys the Nemesis device in a metaphor for the shattered image of himself, an important moment in the Identity and Self-Image theme. He is briefly reassured when he learns that his other inventions did work, because this reaffirms his self-image as a genius. He is further reassured when Jeremy reinforces his view of himself as someone she looks up to. The siblings’ reconciliation and Jeremy’s rejection of GWAB demonstrates her character growth. She quits in support of Owen and as an act of disapproval for the bullying behavior the club endorses. She makes a moral choice over the acceptance of her peers, an important moment in the Power, Negligence, and Bullying Behavior theme.

Owen’s perspective and point of view changes as he becomes more empathetic and self-aware. Owen encounters Mason, recalling the fear Mason demonstrates when Owen followed him. He recognizes that his behavior is bullying and immediately follows this realization with commentary about Mason looking unscarred from a different angle. This realization demonstrates Owen’s developing empathy and foreshadows his protection of Mason during the climax. Owen also connects his bad behavior to the concept of karma during this episode. This connection allows Owen to begin drawing conclusions about his issues that link conflicts from school to those at home and in the city, an indication of healing through maturation. Owen’s empathy for Mason empowers Owen himself as he stands up to Mr. Wooly and becomes more self-aware of his agency within his school. Owen’s stand against Mr. Wooly inverts the powerlessness he felt due to his forced inaction during the crime at the deli. He once again fills the role of protector and obstacle. This decision is an empowered choice, and the moment allows Owen to begin healing.

Owen’s maturity continues to develop and brings resolution to the physical issues he faced in the novel. Owen’s willingness to stand up for Mason based on trust demonstrates his empathy and character growth, though he doesn’t understand why Mason has run away. As Mason explains that the shape in his sock is his house keys and that his scars are from an accident during a seizure, Owen begins to change his view of Mason. When Owen tells his version of events to the principal, he explains that he tried to tell the truth. This demonstrates Owen’s growing understanding that he has been wrong and must revise his perspective. When Owen describes the resolution of his disagreement with Izzy, his apology is another example of his developing maturity. The apology is evidence that Owen is mature enough to accept when he is wrong without anger or major distress. Examples of Owen’s maturity continue to bring resolution to his physical health. He describes losing a significant amount of weight but connects this with dedication to his diet. No longer repressing trauma, Owen controls his eating and successfully addresses his obesity.

In a final symbol of acceptance, Owen rips the green paper with SLOB written on it, signifying his acceptance of the tragedy and ability to begin healing. He prays for punishment and karma before releasing the pieces into the river, letting go of his anger. His prayer before leaving the dock at the end of the novel demonstrates Owen’s forgiveness. His prayer connects Owen to the murderer, praying the criminal has someone who believes in them. This suggests Owen prays the criminal has people in their life like the people in his life; people who will make them become a better person. Owen’s final act of forgiveness is the ultimate act of empathy.