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Tangerine

by Edward Bloor

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Discussion Topic

Paul Fisher's defining character trait and its symbolic representation in Tangerine

Summary:

Paul Fisher's defining character trait in Tangerine is his resilience. This trait is symbolically represented by his persistent struggle to overcome the challenges posed by his visual impairment and his determination to uncover the truth about his past and his family.

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What character trait does Paul Fisher exhibit in part 2 of Tangerine?

The principal character trait Paul Fisher exhibits in part 2 of Tangerine is tenacity.

Tangerine is a Bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story. Paul Fisher is a quiet, shy boy who discovers in himself unexpected reserves of courage and fortitude. In part 2, the central section of the book, he arrives at Tangerine Middle School, where he has an unpromising start. He has to display tenacity in several areas, since it is difficult for him to continue his career as a soccer player, to convince his peer group to accept him, and to avoid being singled out as disabled.

On September 19th, for instance, Paul has his first encounter with Victor:

She said, "This is the one I told you about. The one who wants to play on your soccer team."

The leader eyeballed me and snorted. "You? You think you can play on my team? What do you think this is, Lake Windsor Middle School? You think we gotta take every chump who shows up? You think 'cause your mommy buys you a jockstrap you're automatically on my team?"

I looked at him calmly. I really didn't know if he was putting me on or if he meant what he was saying. He looked like he was about to dump his lunch tray on my head.

Paul stands up to Victor and persists in his determination to play for the school team. His tenacity in doing so and his courageous performance in a match against the Palmetto Whippoorwills, during which the opposing fullback smears mud in his eyes, persuade Victor to accept him:

"Listen, Fisher Man, here it is. If you're gonna play with us, then you're gonna play with us. Do you understand?" I nodded. "If you're a War Eagle, then you're a War Eagle. You got brothers to back you up. Nobody's gonna mess with you, not anyplace, not anytime. Do you know what I'm sayin'?"

I looked into Victor's fierce dark eyes and nodded some more.

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What character trait does Paul exhibit in part three of Tangerine?

An expository paragraph that explains a character trait that Paul exhibits in part three of Tangerine could focus on repression or honesty.

As with the past sections, Paul exhibits repression in part three. He imagines telling his dad about how his brother hit Tino in the face “so hard that he nearly knocked him out,” but he silences the thought. Paul then asks himself, “Why couldn’t I tell my own parents about Erik?” Paul continues to struggle with Erik’s troubling behavior and how to address it, so it’s possible to create an expository paragraph and explain Paul’s ongoing battle with repression.

Of course, Paul’s repression doesn’t last for all of part three. As part three unfolds, think about how Paul demonstrates honesty. He stops hiding his emotions about his eyesight and what happened with Erik. He goes from repression to honesty. He yells at his parents, “Am I such a stupid idiot fool that I stared at a solar eclipse for an hour and blinded myself? Is that who I am? Am I that idiot?” Paul’s searing questions indicate honesty and a newfound ability to confront uncomfortable truths. Honesty links to another character trait, bravery. A paragraph could explain how Paul’s confrontation with his parents, defense of Tino, and statement to the sergeant exemplifies a type of courage.

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Which object best represents Paul's character trait in the novel Tangerine?

An object that represents Paul's character trait(s) in the novel Tangerine could be a tightly wrapped package or a firework.

Paul is a complex character. He has more than one character trait, so the object that symbolizes him should probably be dynamic too. Consider an object that has multiple parts or components, like a package or box—only it's so well sealed that it’s nearly impossible to open. This object works for Paul because, for much of the story, Paul seems to have trouble expressing his feelings about his situation. Paul wonders, “Why couldn’t I tell my own parents about Erik?” Paul has lots to say, but he can’t open up because of his hesitant, meek traits.

By the end of the story, Paul is assertive and direct. He erupts at his parents, “Am I such a stupid idiot fool that I stared at a solar eclipse for an hour and blinded myself? Is that who I am? Am I that idiot?” Here, Paul demonstrates explosiveness. He’s not a package that’s nearly impossible to open. He’s more like a firework, a foghorn, or an object that’s loud and forceful.

Paul is also curious and thoughtful. He keeps a journal and likes to learn new things, and he develops a bond with Luis over the trees. Paul is an observant, watchful character, so an object like a telescope or a magnifying glass might work.

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