That Was Then, This Is Now

These first chapters introduce Bryon as the narrator. Based on his reflective comments throughout the text, Bryon is looking back on these experiences from some future point while wrestling with the choices he made that led to the deterioration of his relationship with Mark. The starting point of the narrative introduces readers to Bryon and Mark as they were—best friends who are, in fact, brothers, with many possibilities ahead of them. Chapter 1 hints at these possibilities with Charlie’s comment that no one is fated to commit crime, no matter where they live, as well as M&M’s growing interest in “hippie” culture. M&M’s introduction as an intelligent, trusting youth similarly foreshadows his eventual separation from his family and risky behaviors. His allusion to Lord Byron, while comical, also serves as a point of reference for Bryon’s character; like Byron, he has historically been something of a “playboy.”

These chapters also see Hinton begin to explore the theme of The Vicious Cycle of Revenge. Both the Shepherds’ attack on M&M and the injuries sustained by Mike are motivated by xenophobia, the fear or mistrust of those who are different in some way. At this point, Bryon is no different, relishing the excitement of violence alongside Mark. Only M&M’s fear and dismay, along with the extent of Mike’s injuries, foreshadow the terrible costs of violence. After these incidents, Bryon begins to question his own relationship with violence, but Mark is unaffected. While Bryon feels growing qualms about their lifestyle and choices, they are not strong enough, to prevent him wanting to take revenge on Angela for her role in Mark’s injury.

These chapters also mark the introduction of Cathy as Bryon’s love interest. To Bryon, Cathy represents a refreshing change from the drama of past relationships, particularly his relationship with Angela. Her influence on Bryon contrasts that of Mark, whose animalistic impulses appropriately mirror the lionlike descriptors with which he is framed throughout the text, as when Bryon first describes Mark’s physical appearance: “Mark was small and compact, with strange golden eyes and hair to match and a grin like a friendly lion. He was much stronger than he looked—he could tie me in arm wrestling” (13). Here, as in Rumble Fish and Taming the Star Runner, Hinton compares animals with humans to enrich theme and characterization.

These chapters also introduce two characters who are archetypal mentors in Bryon’s life: his mother and Charlie. The introduction of Bryon’s mother in a hospital underlines her dual qualities of vulnerability and selflessness. As a single mother facing health challenges, she struggles to make ends meet, leaving Bryon and Mark to make up the slack. Bryon respects and appreciates her but does not view her as a confidant, preferring to keep her blissfully unaware of his and Mark’s exploits. Charlie, by contrast, knows full well what Bryon gets up to and is supportive of Bryon much like an older brother would be. Bryon respects Charlie but also reveals his own animosity for authority figures when he simmers after Charlie makes some astute comments about Mark and him.

Several details in these chapters foreshadow subsequent events. Mark and Bryon’s debt to Charlie serves as a point of comparison for their much more significant debt after Charlie dies while protecting them. M&M’s obsession with the candy that is his namesake includes a fascination with their vibrant colors, hinting at the vivid hallucinations he will later experience after taking LSD. Mark’s decision to “go stag” to the dance underlines his continued sense of fellowship and affinity within his friend group that will later pull him away from Bryon, even as Bryon becomes more individually introspective and considers a potential future with Cathy. Similarly, Mark’s interest in the commune described by Randy sets up Mark’s later decision to profit by selling drugs in similar locations.

With these and other details, Hinton gives thematic coherence to the novel and raises the question whether, with so many telling details already beginning to appear, Bryon could truthfully have done anything to avoid the catastrophic outcomes he later experiences. On the other hand, it could be argued that Bryon’s after-the-fact reflection magnifies the importance of details as signs he should have noticed at the time.