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What is the relationship between Mike and Joey in the book Tangerine?
Quick answer:
Mike and Joey are brothers in Tangerine. Their relationship contrasts sharply with Erik and Paul's, as Mike serves as a compassionate role model for Joey. When Mike is struck by lightning and dies, Joey's immediate rush to comfort him illustrates his deep love and respect. Joey later quits soccer to pursue football, attempting to honor his brother's legacy.
Mike and Joey are brothers, and have a relationship that is a complete
contrast to Erik and Paul. Mike is a role-model to his younger brother, showing
compassion and brotherly love, a natural foil to the sadistic Erik. Since
Erik's death occurs very early in the novel, it is difficult to rely on
concrete interactions to define Mike and Joey's relationship dynamic, however,
there is a great deal that we can infer based on the way Joey acts.
When Mike is struck by lightning, Joey immediately rushes to his aid, taking
his shoes off to make him more comfortable. He seems to want to live up to his
brother's reputation by quitting soccer to go out for football. He wants to be
like his brother in every way, as if this is his way of mourning and carrying
on his legacy.
In Tangerine by Edward Bloor, Mike Costello and Joey Costello are brothers. Early on in the novel, Mike is electrocuted to death by a bolt of lightning. Joey, out of love and care for his brother, rushes to his brother to take off his shoes in order to make him comfortable as he's dying.
Mike Costello was somewhat of a football star at school; as a consequence, Joey feels pressured to live up to his brother's large reputation after his death. In a way, this shows both Joey's devotion toward making his brother proud as well as the significant amount of respect he has for his brother. By choosing to abandon his own sport (soccer) in favor of his brother's sport (football), Joey is shown mourning his brother in a very special way.
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