The Truth behind the Masks
In the novel “First Stone” by Don Aker, Leeza the protagonist, is characterized as a meek, sorrowful, and weak teenager. The author wanted to portray Leeza’s life as dreadful and painful. And to flee from these disastrous situations, Leeza uses her time to help elderly people. This illustrates Leeza as a helpful yet frightened girl. Leeza states her reason for choosing Silver Meadows for her volunteer work: “I can’t stand the thought of someone being… helpless.” (Aker, 22). In her day-to-day life, Leeza is seen by others as a caring person who is always ready to help anyone. However, on the inside Leeza battles with sorrowful feelings due to the loss of her sister, Ellen. As she recalls the memories she had with Ellen, …show more content…
Furthermore, the author characterises Leeza as weak and sorrowful girl who consistently thinks negatively. Leeza believes that “death, decay, and disappointment” are dependable things in life. (278). In addition, this quote also refers to the text on the shirt. The logo DDD is a symbol which means death, decay, and disappointment. Considering the accident being a tragic moment of Leeza’s life, she thinks that she is weak and hopeless. In chapter 5, the author describes the pain Leeza felt after the accident: “…, but pain sledgehammered through her body and she cried out, her exclamation a muted gasp.” (51). Another factor that could support the stereotype about girls being weak, is the picture of a crying girl. This symbolizes Leeza, being scared and hopeless. While Leeza heard about her accident, terrifying thoughts came to her mind, and she “sobbed” as she saw the images of “metal colliding with metal” (56). The accident was the main cause for this effect in Leeza’s life for it added more agony for her. The back of the t-shirt displays the stereotype about girls being sensitive. Withal, the last symbol on the shirt was the sun, to indicate hope. After meeting Reef, Leeza was able to change in her behaviour because she became confident in herself. Leeza explains to her mother if Reef was involved in the change that took place in her mindset: “[Reef] made me remember something I’d forgotten… That I can be strong too.” (219). Reef is the reason why Leeza is less isolated. When she grows friendlier and open towards Reef, she finds hope and is able to believe that if she changes then her sorrow will end. Leeza excitedly points to her legs and says, “I’m getting these off tomorrow!” (259). Thus, hope helps her in recovering quickly. In summary, the back of the t-shirt expresses the stereotype that girls are sensitive, weak, and emotional. Equally it also relates to the stereotype that
In the novel “First Stone” by Don Aker, Leeza the protagonist, is characterized as a meek, sorrowful, and weak teenager. The author wanted to portray Leeza’s life as dreadful and painful. And to flee from these disastrous situations, Leeza uses her time to help elderly people. This illustrates Leeza as a helpful yet frightened girl. Leeza states her reason for choosing Silver Meadows for her volunteer work: “I can’t stand the thought of someone being… helpless.” (Aker, 22). In her day-to-day life, Leeza is seen by others as a caring person who is always ready to help anyone. However, on the inside Leeza battles with sorrowful feelings due to the loss of her sister, Ellen. As she recalls the memories she had with Ellen, …show more content…
Furthermore, the author characterises Leeza as weak and sorrowful girl who consistently thinks negatively. Leeza believes that “death, decay, and disappointment” are dependable things in life. (278). In addition, this quote also refers to the text on the shirt. The logo DDD is a symbol which means death, decay, and disappointment. Considering the accident being a tragic moment of Leeza’s life, she thinks that she is weak and hopeless. In chapter 5, the author describes the pain Leeza felt after the accident: “…, but pain sledgehammered through her body and she cried out, her exclamation a muted gasp.” (51). Another factor that could support the stereotype about girls being weak, is the picture of a crying girl. This symbolizes Leeza, being scared and hopeless. While Leeza heard about her accident, terrifying thoughts came to her mind, and she “sobbed” as she saw the images of “metal colliding with metal” (56). The accident was the main cause for this effect in Leeza’s life for it added more agony for her. The back of the t-shirt displays the stereotype about girls being sensitive. Withal, the last symbol on the shirt was the sun, to indicate hope. After meeting Reef, Leeza was able to change in her behaviour because she became confident in herself. Leeza explains to her mother if Reef was involved in the change that took place in her mindset: “[Reef] made me remember something I’d forgotten… That I can be strong too.” (219). Reef is the reason why Leeza is less isolated. When she grows friendlier and open towards Reef, she finds hope and is able to believe that if she changes then her sorrow will end. Leeza excitedly points to her legs and says, “I’m getting these off tomorrow!” (259). Thus, hope helps her in recovering quickly. In summary, the back of the t-shirt expresses the stereotype that girls are sensitive, weak, and emotional. Equally it also relates to the stereotype that