Discussion Topic
Theo and Angela's conversation and Angela's inability to answer Theo's questions in The Westing Game
Summary:
Theo and Angela's conversation in The Westing Game highlights Angela's inability to answer Theo's questions, reflecting her internal conflict and lack of self-identity. She struggles to articulate her thoughts and feelings, showcasing her dependence on others' expectations and decisions. This interaction underscores Angela's journey towards self-discovery and independence throughout the novel.
In The Westing Game, Chapter 13, what do Theo and Angela confide, and why couldn't Angela answer Theo's question?
Theo and Angela confide in each other what they really want to do with their lives.
Theo is “awed by the beautiful Angela,” whom he considers unattainable because she is older and engaged. When he finds himself sitting at the same table with her, he can’t think of what to say. He does not want to seem childish.
Theo tells Angela that he could get a scholarship to college, but he is going to work instead to pay for his brother’s operation. He is a successful track star.
“I went to college for a year. I wanted to be a doctor, but, well, we don’t have as much money as my mother pretends….” Why was she gabbing like this?
“I want to be a writer,” Theo said. That really sounded like kid stuff. “Would you go back to college if you won the inheritance?” (Ch. 13)
When Theo asks...
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Angela if she would go to college if she had the inheritance, she doesn’t want to answer because she does not feel in control of her own life. All of the decisions seem to be made by her fiancé or mother. Angela does not feel that what she wants matters.
Theo and Angela both have in common that they have dreams that no one knows about. Neither feels understood, and they both keep their feelings to themselves. Theo does not consider his dreams valuable because his brother needs an operation, which should take priority in his family's financial picture. Angela does not consider her own dreams and goals valuable because she is a woman. Angela and Theo both feel trapped by their circumstances, and they do not really see an end in sight.
Why couldn't Angela answer Theo's questions in The Westing Game?
Readers should look at chapter 13 for the sequence that this question is asking about. Most of the Westing game players are present in the restaurant for this chapter, and Grace takes a lot of pleasure in seating the guests in various combinations. One such combination is Angela and Theo. Theo is somewhat smitten by Angela, but the two end up having a fairly open and honest conversation with each other. Theo admits that he won't be going to college because the family money is better spent on his brother's health. He also admits that his dream is to become a writer. Angela then confesses that she wanted to be a doctor, but her mother wasn't keen on the idea because Angela is a woman, and the tuition cost was an issue, too. Next, Theo asks Angela whether or not she would go back to college if she won the Westing game money. Angela doesn't answer.
Angela looked down. It was a question she did not want to answer. Or could not answer.
Why Angela doesn't want to answer is up to reader interpretation. I think the key to the situation is that she is paired at the table with Theo. The two characters have a lot in common with each other. They both have dreams that they think are not obtainable. Additionally, they both have dreams that nobody else really knows about. They keep those dreams to themselves because they believe that their dreams are secondary. Theo's dream is secondary to his brother's needs. Angela's dreams are secondary because they don't fall in line with societal norms. Both characters feel that what they want doesn't matter. Angela probably doesn't answer Theo's question because she doesn't want to give voice to her true feelings. Saying her thoughts out loud makes them that much more real to her. Additionally, admitting that to Theo makes her feel even more vulnerable than she already does feel.