Student Question

What action of Stargirl's causes Leo to dislike her?

Quick answer:

Stargirl smiles at Leo with the same smile she uses on other "needy" people, and Leo hates her for it.

Expert Answers

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The answer to this question can be found in chapter 30. It is quite late in the overall story, and we have had the word "hate" used multiple times before in the story; however, Leo has never directed that sentiment toward Stargirl before. Leo has done an admirable job of...

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accepting her quirks. He's learned to love her individuality too. Unfortunately, he hasn't learned to love the shunning that comes with associating with Stargirl. His tactic was to try and transform her into a more "normal" person. She would become popular by being anonymous. To her credit, Stargirl gives it a real try because she loves and respects Leo.

By chapter 30, Stargirl has realized that her efforts to be like everybody else have failed. People still don't like her, and she is unhappy with herself. Her solution is to return to being her unique and fun loving self. Leo asks her if she is giving up on being normal, and Stargirl says that she is. Leo counters by saying maybe don't come on so strong. Stargirl simply smiles at Leo and kisses him. It is her smile that makes Leo hate her in that moment because her smile is the smile of infinite kindness and understanding that she gives to other "needy souls" that she chooses to bestow kindness on. Leo hates her for it because he knows that she is essentially calling him out on his weakness. He isn't willing to stand by her for being her. It's not fun being shown or told that you are helpless, mean, etc., and that's what Stargirl does to Leo.

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