Cory's Rebellion Lessons

First, the biggest lesson Cory learns throughout his maturation is learning how to let go and he learns this through the deaths of Davy Ray and Rebel. Furthermore, when Cory has to face the depressing fact that his dog must be put down, he ultimately prays him back to life. However, his dog suffers to stay alive and, “He never ate. Never drank a drop. He stayed in his pen, because he could hardly walk on his withered leg. I could count his ribs, and through his papery skin you could see their broken edges” (McCammon 357). Unfortunately, Cory’s prayers did not save Rebel the way he originally intended, so he was not the loving and playful dog he once knew. Overmore, he later realized the life that rebel lives and ultimately lets him go to the …show more content…
When talking to Mrs. Neville, Cory’s teacher, at the end of the year, she says, ““They may look grown-up,” she continued, “but it’s a disguise. It’s just the clay of time. Men and women are still children deep in their hearts” (McCammon 225). In the words of Mrs. Neville, Corey recognizes that he should not rush to grow up, as no one ever grows up. Everyone, even adults, wish to have a mom and dad to tuck them in at night. It is the fact that they are adults, which tells them not to jump up and play, like normal children do. For example, she also says, “Even behind the face of the meanest man in the world is a scared little boy trying' to wedge himself into a corner where he can't be hurt” (McCammon 225). This quote, is significant because it shows Cory and the readers, that even adults will be scared. This is the pivotal turn in the book, where Cory realizes he must remember, remember, and write everything down. Consequently, Mrs. Neville taught him adults never grow up and he must cherish the memories he has now as they will soon be gone. In conclusion, Cory learns, through Mrs. Neville, that he must remember through writing and that adults never really grow up, everyone is