Swing

Noah’s goal of sharing his feelings with Sam is finally achieved. What’s more, she responds with pleasure and praise for Noah’s art and continues to show care and support for him, easing some of Noah’s anxieties. In the days that follow, Noah and Sam’s relationship shifts from one of friendship to romance. This is what Noah has longed for, and he is elated. In this way, Walt/Swing’s insistence on Perseverance in the Pursuit of Passions—one of the novel’s key themes—seems vindicated by the positive outcome. During this time, Noah relishes his new connection with Sam. When other aspects of his life are less than perfect, he always reassures himself with a reminder of Sam’s love.

The perfection of their new relationship, however, is short-lived. Sam briefly renews her relationship with Cruz and then begins to avoid Noah. Noah is hurt as Sam distances herself, fearful that their friendship may be lost entirely. In truth, the two eventually reconcile when Sam shares her reservations at making the romantic relationship a permanent change. She admits to not wanting to ruin their friendship by treading into romantic territory—a wise and caring concern. Here the genuine nature of Sam’s appreciation of Noah and their longtime friendship is evident. Although Noah is saddened in the short term, the strength of their bond suggests their friendship will continue to be a strong, stable, and meaningful one in the years to come, making it key to the presentation of Friendship: Support, Encouragement, and Commitment. In particular, Noah and Sam’s fluctuating relationship explores the nature of friendship, love, and the overlap between them.

Noah’s romantic relationship with Sam contrasts with that of Walt/Swing and Divya. Unlike Sam, who wishes not to rush into such a dynamic with Noah, Divya pressures Walt/Swing to accelerate their relationship by making it more physically intimate. Walt/Swing is able to successfully navigate this pressure in a way that does not negatively impact the relationship. At this point, the novel suggests that this is a romance that will last, setting up a sense of hopefulness before the tragic ending.

This section also brings about the return of Walt/Swing’s brother Moses “Mo” from military service. Walt/Swing’s admiration of his brother is apparent and he is overjoyed at Mo’s return. Importantly, however, other characters are concerned about Mo’s mental health. He appears vacant and not present, as if his mind is focused internally. Both Noah and Sam worry that Mo may be having a difficult time as a result of his wartime experiences, and they conjecture that he may have undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Walt/Swing, on the other hand, denies that anything is amiss with his brother. Walt/Swing’s inability to recognize that Mo may have a mental health condition plays a role in the novel’s tragic ending, catalyzing the events that unfold.

The subject of racial profiling appears once again in this section as the police accuse Cruz of being behind the distribution of the American flags. Although Cruz is soon released and no real harm comes from the accusation, this incident foreshadows the novel’s ending. When police wrongly conclude that Mo has placed the American flags around town and that he poses a threat (due to his holding a baseball bat), they act precipitously. Walt/Swing’s actions, diving in front of Mo in order to move him out of the line of fire, are an instinctive expression of his love for Mo. Walt/Swing seeks to protect him and is willing to risk his own life for Mo’s. Walt/Swing’s dedication and support of his brother is unfailing, but in attempting to defend his brother, Walt/Swing is killed. This risk-taking is consistent with Walt/Swing’s character and can be seen as the ultimate act of friendship and the culmination of that theme.

It is clear that the death of Walt/Swing will have a lasting effect on Noah. Immediately after Walt/Swing’s death, Noah is adamant about sharing with the world how unique Walt/Swing was and conveying what a deep loss Walt/Swing’s death is. His death was unnecessary, and the frustration that Noah feels about this is at the forefront of his emotions. In this way, the novel positions the reader to consider the issue of racial bias and profiling. The novel culminates with an incident that is reminiscent of the real-life incidents of racial violence by police, which were the impetus for the rise of the social movement Black Lives Matter in the 2010s. One of the earlier poems headings is “BLACK LIVES MATTER!!” (203), and this context is important to understanding the novel’s exploration of young people’s, especially young Black people’s, experience of life in modern America.