48 pages • 1 hour read
Tom RogersEleven
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
Heroism in Ordinary People
Initially, Alex believes a hero to be someone who rids the world of villains. However, as he and others endure the traumatic events of September 11, it becomes clear that this definition is flawed and that there is heroism in ordinary people.
The Man in the White Shirt represents the heroic efforts of those in or near the World Trade Center on September 11. In addition to bringing five people to safety and offering to donate blood, Alex’s father does small things that aid others. When the first tower falls, the man is knocked off his feet. Then, he sees “a woman lying in the street beside him. Her knees [are] bleeding, and she’d lost a shoe. He [takes] her hand and [pulls] her to her feet” (66). This may seem like mere courtesy, but given the tower’s collapse and the oncoming cloud of debris, the man’s efforts are noteworthy: He could have run to save himself but, instead, helps an injured woman first. Furthermore, when walking across the George Washington Bridge, a woman panics as a plane flies overhead, but “The Man in the White shirt put[s] a comforting hand on her elbow” (150), assuring her that the aircraft belongs to the United States. This simple gesture provides comfort to another survivor. Later, he assists an injured woman onto a bus, sacrificing a phone call to his family. Because the man remains unnamed for most of the narrative, his actions symbolize the acts of compassion, courage, and selflessness by ordinary citizens.
Courage and benevolence are not relegated just to the Man in the White Shirt: Many others exhibit altruism as Alex and Nunu spend the day together. When they are hungry but penniless, the pizza shop owner concocts a special offer that allows Alex to believe he has paid for the food. Similarly, the veterinarian cares for Radar free of charge. These moments prove that tragedy brings out selflessness as people look out for each other. Furthermore, Alex encounters Calvin’s valor when he remembers Jordan punching the boy: “A completely crazy thought occurred to Alex: had Calvin been trying to stop Jordan from throwing the bottle?” (156-57). This idea is “completely crazy” because Calvin is Jordan’s sidekick, so the thought of the boy standing up for what is right surprises Alex. When Calvin confirms Alex’s suspicions, it is clear that anyone, even a bully, is capable of being a hero.
Maturing When Faced with Adversity
For some, maturity comes with time, while others are forced to age beyond their years due to a traumatic event. The latter is the case for Alex as he grows up exponentially in just one day, showcasing the theme of Maturing When Faced with Adversity.
On the eve of his 11th birthday, Alex is self-centered, naïve, and lacking responsibility. He views his sister, Nunu, as annoying and a thorn in his side, feeling “like he never [goes] anywhere without Nunu” (11). Alex perceives his sister as a constant burden. This selfish focus is evident later that evening when Alex presses his father about getting a dog. When his dad insists that the boy show more responsibility first, Alex is quick to anger. However, Alex let himself down, for if he kept his grades up, his parents would get him a dog. Alex did not uphold his end of the bargain. Instead of acknowledging this, Alex retorts, “If you loved me, you’d get me a dog” (22). This simplistic ultimatum focuses solely on Alex’s wants. He narrows everything down to this one desire, both a selfish and naïve sentiment. When his father calmly refutes the statement, Alex follows up by telling the man he hates him. The following morning, after feeling anxious at his mom’s panicky behavior, Alex’s mind settles on his ruined birthday instead of figuring out why the day is so unusual. In his thoughts, words, and actions, Alex proves to be immature and selfish.
However, as the events of September 11, 2001, unfold, Alex assumes more responsibility and begins to put others first when faced with adverse circumstances. This maturity is evident in his care and protection of Nunu. After learning of the attacks, caring for Radar, and meeting Mac, he accepts responsibility and recognizes his love for his sister. He cuts flying with Mac short because he promised to get Nunu home. He carries her, prevents her from watching television, and attempts to make bedtime as normal as possible. These actions demonstrate that Alex is no longer thinking about himself and his birthday but about others, particularly his sister. In fact, when Nunu expresses anger that their parents forgot his birthday. Alex responds, “Please don’t be mad at them. I’m not. See? They didn’t forget. They’re just running late” (169-70). Compared to his thoughts of a ruined birthday earlier, these words illuminate the boy’s growth. He no longer views the world only from his perspective but understands that some things are larger than him and that life is complicated. Nunu’s innocent anger counters Alex’s newfound maturity as her thoughts mirror what he would have felt just one day ago.
The Personal Impact of Large-Scale Tragedy
Often the first thing reported in a tragedy is the number of fatalities, and although statistics are noteworthy, they do not paint the full picture. Eleven delves into the experiences of those directly affected by the attacks, developing the theme of The Personal Impact of Large-Scale Tragedy.
Tragedy’s influence on the individual is highlighted via the brief chapters focused on the Man in the White Shirt. His anonymity and his encounters demonstrate not just the heroism of ordinary people that day but also the physical and emotional toll on survivors. After helping a cop bring injured people to a medical tent, “his hands began to tremble, and his legs started to quiver. He sat down heavily on the curb. At first, he thought that it was muscle fatigue from carrying all those injured people” (99). The physical signs of shock and trauma look much like physical exhaustion, and the man, Alex’s father, is likely experiencing both with the trembling of his hands and legs. He realizes this when “his eyes started to burn. He blinked, and a warm tear rolled down his cheek. What he needed wasn’t rest. He needed his family. He needed to go home” (99). The emotional impact of escaping the attack coupled with the incessant aid provided to others has left him shaken. His tears and need for family indicate how significant his trauma is. Because he is unnamed, the narrative implies that many others endured just as much physically and emotionally on this day in history.
Additionally, the toll on families waiting for news of loved ones is also significant. When Alex finally sees news footage, he acknowledges that “there’s knowing, and then there’s seeing. Seeing was a thousand times worse. Seeing made it real” (136). Viewing actual footage forces Alex to face the severity of the attacks and the peril his father faces. The boy is so distraught that he tells Mac that there is no way his father will return. Mac, too, is personally affected as he anxiously awaits the return of his son, who works in the Twin Towers. Revealing his fears to Alex, he says, “Bobby’s our only one. A real sweet kid. Listen to me. ‘Kid.’ He’s in his thirties. Probably about your dad’s age, I guess. [...] He doesn’t deserve...” (138). Mac’s voice trails off, making “a little choked sound” (138). No matter Bobby’s age, his parents still love and adore him. This love seeps into Mac’s words and choked voice. Since Bobby is Mac’s only child, the prospect of losing him is unbearable. As a result, Mac holds vigil all through the night, drinking one pot of coffee after another. The statistics of the September 11 attacks do not fully capture the pain and grief of families in the aftermath. Both Alex and Mac exemplify how the tragedy impacted individuals, not just in New York City but across America.
