Explain the significance/importance of the friendship with Gordy for Junior.

Junior’s friendship with Gordy is very significant to him, as it is, so far, his only hope at Reardan. Although the other students talk to him, they don’t socialize with him. However, Gordy accepts him, and on page 94, Junior says “And so we did become friends”, where the tone shifts from persistent melancholy to some feelings of optimism. This gives Junior some sense of acceptance, and most likely Gordy as well, as they are both “lonely and sad and isolated and terrified.” Thus, they comfort each other while shunned by the other students. Also, Gordy assists Junior throughout his school life, and provides him encouragement, as indicated on page 94, wherein Junior says “He wouldn’t let me give up.” Though this is a subtle example, it is not something Junior experiences frequently in his daily life.

In addition, Junior’s friendship with Gordy is meaningful because of their common love of books. In Wellipinit, Junior “was a freak because [he] loved books.” (98)  But in Reardan, his great affection is supported and animated by Gordy, and will probably remain throughout his time there. So in conclusion, this friendship is important as Gordy provides the same vitality to Junior as Rowdy did, though in different ways. This energy is clearly sensed at the end of the reading.

How do you think Gordy influences Junior’s identity, and his understanding of himself? It could be argued that Junior’s friendship with Gordy is not as strong as that with Rowdy. Do you agree or disagree with this? How does Gordy’s reference to the world being full of “things you don’t know” (97) affect Junior’s appreciation of his heritage and home?