Shells By Michael Character Analysis

In the book Shells, Michael is 14 and dealing with the grief of losing his parents. After his parents died his life took a turn for the worst. Michael is very harsh, sad, depressed and lost and his Aunt Esther doesn’t quite understood why she feels punished because she’s really trying her best with Michael and besides, she promised her sister that she’d take care of him if anything ever was to happen to her. But Michael didn’t understand he wasn’t the only one dealing with the pain of losing his parents, that was Aunt Esther’s sister too. Michael was very lonely being that teachers didn’t notice him and he had a hard time making friends. He felt like Aunt Esther was more against him rather than being helpful but he often said hurtful things to aunt Esther …show more content…
Michael showed Aunt Esther his new pet. He was shocked when she picked up the shell and began touching and playing around with it. Aunt Esther agreed to let Michael keep it as long as the crab didn’t grow out of the shell. Michael started opening up to Aunt Esther more, he seemed genuinely happy and not so sluggish and depressed anymore. One day Aunt Esther thought that the crab needed a companion, she was trying to show interest in what he liked, to bond with him. When Michael showed Aunt Esther were the pet store was she went crazy, she was enjoying looking at all the different types of crabs and things. Her and Michael shared an interest. He and Esther returned back home with a thirty-gallon tank and twenty hermit crabs. Her and Michael shared a magical moment, “Oh, what would your mother think if she could see this mess we’ve gotten ourselves into!” His eyes filled with pain and tears, Aunt Esther hadn’t embraced anyone in years put her arm around his shoulder, “I’m so sorry, Michael. Oh, you must hate me.” Michael sensed a familiar smell. His mother’s talc. “I don’t hate you,” Said Michael. Aunt Esther and Michael had a strong