Monday, June 18, 2012

In Tangerine, what does Paul think about Mike's tree?

We know very little about what Paul thinks of Mike's tree. The only thing we know for sure is that Paul thinks it's "good" that Mike Costello has his own tree that stands as a memorial to him:



"I thought to myself, Mike Costello has his tree, and that's good."



As Paul views the tree, he mentally describes it as "a big laurel oak" that appears acceptably strong and healthy. Paul also notes the stakes and wires set up to hold the tree in place. They're a temporary support system, his dad explains, that will be removed once the tree is strong enough to stand on its own. And that's when Paul offers his thoughts about Mike's tree being "good."


If we read between the lines a little, we can infer that Paul considers the tree an appropriate memorial for Mike. It stands on school property, right there on the front lawn where no one could miss it--possibly an appropriate spot, to Paul's way of thinking, given Mike's popularity and strong personality in life. However, we're still making inferences here; again, Paul only acknowledges that the tree is "good."


This brief scene takes place at the very end of the novel, in the chapter titled "Wednesday, December 6."

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