This section gives us a lot of insight into why Craig is depressed. Chapter 7 starts with Craig saying,
"So why am I depressed? That's the million-dollar question, baby, the Tootsie Roll question; not even the owl knows the answer to that one. I don't know either. All I know is chronology" (49).
Craig continues to divulge the details of the beginning of his high school career, studying incessantly in 8th grade in order to get into Manhattans best high school, Executive Pre-Professional High School. Him and his best friend Aaron both get in, but while Craig spends year of his life studying only for the test to get a perfect score, Aaron wings it and still gets a perfect score. When he starts high school at Executive Pre-Professional, he finds himself struggling to keep up with the other kids as they are all exceptionally gifted in all areas. He falls significantly behind and feels that he is a failure because his grades are 'below average' and because he can't keep up with all of his peers extracurriculars. His best friend Aaron on the other hand is doing well at school without even trying that hard, and is dating the girl that Craig had a crush on, Nia.
I think these are the main reasons craig becomes depressed, and I think almost everyone can relate to Craig's feeling of inadequacy. There is so much pressure from society to do well in school in order to get into a top college and get a good job that pays the bills. However, if you are someone like Craig, who is intelligent but may get lost in the crowd because he isn't the 'top of the top' you may get lost in the crowd. This doesn't mean he isn't smart or capable, but he thinks he isn't because he sees all of his peers being able to handle things that he can't. He also feels social pressure, to handle drugs and drinking and girls in addition to school work, and he just can't balance it like all of his friends can. This book makes me wonder what society is doing to kids like Craig, completely capable yet now because of what society has done to him he has become depressed and may not be able to ever make anything of his life.
YES! Ah! I commented this on Nicole's too but I can relate to this kid! Think of all the pressure society puts on our shoulders. The test is whether or not we can handle it. And so far, Craig has failed that test. It's just...he thinks so much. He doesn't just live. He has a motive/reason/something to say about everything, and I want to just run into the book and give him a big hug and say, "You can succeed. Just keep pushing."
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Craig needs something to live his life for. Like the doctors suggest, he needs a love interest to keep his spirits up. He has revealed his feelings for Nia multiple times, but I think until he sense that the love is mutual, he will continue to be depressed. He can succeed, he just needs a motive!
ReplyDeleteYes! He needs to have the confidence in realizing that he CAN succeed.
ReplyDeleteCraig is influenced mostly on what others feel towards him. Society is unexcepting of him so finding a love intrest would be best!! Someone who is understading!
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