Theme of Brotherhood in Tangerine by Edward Bloor (Essay Sample)

Theme is a big idea we take away from a story after reading it. In the novel, Tangerine, By Edward Bloor, the primary theme of the story is brotherhood. The theme of brotherhood shows up in many events throughout the novel. Over and over again, the reader sees the character struggling with this theme. Bloor develops his characters to represent the importance of how brotherhood impacts a person and what it reveals about mankind.

One of the events from the novel where the reader sees this theme is when Paul first meets the other kids at school and finds them odd. On page 37, we read, “The class seems to be made up of the same type of droopy kids that stood with me in the bus line.” This shows how the character is struggling with meeting new people in town and finding a brotherly friend. Consequently, having this experience teaches Paul that fitting into the brotherhood here will be difficult. In addition, the readers now understand why Paul will have a hard time making friends. Clearly, the theme of brotherhood is being revealed to the reader.

Another event from the novel where the reader sees this theme is when Victor showed Paul that the War Eagles have accepted him. On page 124, we read, “‘If you’re a War Eagle, then you’re a War Eagle. You got brothers to back you up.”’ The character is dealing with finding his true friends. This experience demonstrates that the character has made friends that truly believe in him and will protect him. Accordingly, Paul may have had issues talking to new people at first, nonetheless he has found his group of people. Without a doubt, Paul has somewhat found people that he can call his brothers.

One more event from the novel where the reader sees this theme is when Tino calls up Paul to talk about his school transfer. On page 301, we read, “‘You take care of yourself, brother. I’ll see you in the groves.’” The character has now found his place in the new town as part of a brotherhood. Here the reader sees that Paul and Tino have solidified their close friendship. Once again, this shows that Paul has created a brotherhood with the War Eagles. Undeniably, these experiences show that Paul has overcome his issues with brotherhood.

Bloor uses the theme of brotherhood to help us think about Paul’s struggles with building friendships. The actions of the character show the readers that it is possible for brotherly relationships to form, even from enemy relationships. A symbol from the novel that can sum up this theme is the War Eagle. This symbol represents the theme because it was one of the most important factors of Paul’s brotherhood. In conclusion, in the novel, Tangerine, we learn about mankind through the theme of brotherhood.