There are two main themes in this book: violence is never a smart solution for your problems and bullying is never acceptable.
It is clear that this book centers around violent events; we understand this simply by reading the title. With all the terrorist attacks, as well as school shootings recently, many people are afraid that firearms are becoming an increasing threat to our safety and well being. Gary and Brendan initially believe that violence was the best way to stop all the bullying they were facing, but unfortunately, Gary soon learns that this isn’t the case. This is demonstrated when Gary and Brendan were in the middle of the shooting. Gary began to argue about whether or not this was really in their best interest or if they should …show more content…
This gives us the impression that perhaps Gary just follows what Brendan is doing out of fear and feels remorseful and scared of the consequences that would come.
Brendan and Gary were severely bullied at their high school where even the teachers wouldn’t do anything to stop it. This eventually pushed Brendan and Gary over the edge. A student at their high school was also ready for change, she says, “Maybe there should be a mandatory course in school that teaches kids to respect one another no matter what. I think that would be a lot more helpful than geometry.” (181). Football athletes, as well as cheerleaders constantly received special treatment and everyone was aware of it, including the counsellor who said, “The [unwritten] law states that you may discipline a student athlete to a point. But it must be an absolutely extraordinary situation for you to do anything that would impinge on that team athlete's ability to play for his team.” (65). Even students at the school notice this; Gary’s girlfriend Allison Findley explained it like this: “If Deirdre Bunson [a cheerleader] is talking...it’s like, ‘Excuse me, Deirdre, now pay attention.’
It is clear that this book centers around violent events; we understand this simply by reading the title. With all the terrorist attacks, as well as school shootings recently, many people are afraid that firearms are becoming an increasing threat to our safety and well being. Gary and Brendan initially believe that violence was the best way to stop all the bullying they were facing, but unfortunately, Gary soon learns that this isn’t the case. This is demonstrated when Gary and Brendan were in the middle of the shooting. Gary began to argue about whether or not this was really in their best interest or if they should …show more content…
This gives us the impression that perhaps Gary just follows what Brendan is doing out of fear and feels remorseful and scared of the consequences that would come.
Brendan and Gary were severely bullied at their high school where even the teachers wouldn’t do anything to stop it. This eventually pushed Brendan and Gary over the edge. A student at their high school was also ready for change, she says, “Maybe there should be a mandatory course in school that teaches kids to respect one another no matter what. I think that would be a lot more helpful than geometry.” (181). Football athletes, as well as cheerleaders constantly received special treatment and everyone was aware of it, including the counsellor who said, “The [unwritten] law states that you may discipline a student athlete to a point. But it must be an absolutely extraordinary situation for you to do anything that would impinge on that team athlete's ability to play for his team.” (65). Even students at the school notice this; Gary’s girlfriend Allison Findley explained it like this: “If Deirdre Bunson [a cheerleader] is talking...it’s like, ‘Excuse me, Deirdre, now pay attention.’