Whale Talk Analysis

Person vs society conflict is a dominant conflict that all of the characters must face throughout Whale Talk. The quote above is a demonstration of how each of the characters contrast from what society accepts, and therefore the conflicts that each of them face. The most significant conflict faced by the Cutter High School Swim Team is that of the closed-minded discrimination of students to their peers who are different. Because of the fact that there are characters who discriminate against others, T.J. feels as though it is not fair for the jocks to get all the recognition and attention. Therefore, he creates the Cutter High School Swim Team, whose members consist of a various selection of young men. T.J. specifically tried to recruit students who don't fit into the acceptance of society. Hence how he describes …show more content…
is paraphrasing when describing his teammates, it serves a purpose. When T.J. put this team together, he wanted them to stand out and give the illusion that they will never succeed, when in fact they turn those assumptions upside down. The way that he describes the kids gives an insight on how the rest of the world looks upon their swim team. T.J. learns that there is so much more to each of these kids than what is on the outside. As a result, what is on the outside holds them back from presenting what they’re really made of. When they work hard, they show everyone what they’ve accomplished and that people shouldn't be so quick to judge.
The quote above is evidence of the person vs society conflict that the characters in Whale Talk encounter. They don't fit into society, and are bullied for the way that people perceive them. T.J. is able to create this “sanctuary” for all the misfits to come together and feel comfortable within a group that can relate to them. In doing so, mutual support and building friendships helps each character overcome their physical and emotional challenges which helped them no longer worry about those who bully