Banned Books
Professor SoYoung Park
4-15-15
Penelope's Infatuation
As Arnold Spirit Junior is settling into his new, predominately white school, he meets Penelope and becomes almost instantly smitten with her. That is, he is infatuated with her whiteness, her unusual appearance. To say that she thinks the same as him and that they both use each other for their unique benefits would be agreeable. "I think she was bored of being the prettiest, smartest, and most popular girl in the world. She wanted to get a little crazy, you know? She wanted to get a little smudged. And I was the smudge" (Alexie, 110). While Penelope is becoming a 'rebel', Arnold is becoming popular and more respected because of his new relationship. He is becoming more accepted into white culture (because of his attraction to it and willingness to conform).
There is little to no romance in his and Penelope's relationship, and they stay together for a while because they, at that age and place, gain something from each other's company. Is it shallow? A little, I would say. Arnold is good for Penelope, to some degree, however. He aids her and tries to help her with her bulimia issues (as best as a fourteen-year-old can).
They were never interested in each other, rather, they were interested in the differences and oddities that their ethnicities and social classes brought to a conversation. They were both in it for a social advantage, needless to say. Still, to varying degrees, their relationship was fairly stable and seemed to add a level of health to their lives. For the long term- maybe that is not the case. But for High School as an experience, it was helpful.
What do you think of Penelope's intentions?
Is Penelope a 'typical white girl'?
What else do you think they gained from being a relationship?
What is your opinion of this situation?
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