Give/Take

Every character in this book seems to have an important part and a big personality. No one is really pushed to the side or is dull in some way. One character that stood out to me was Roger. He is introduced as the big macho bully at Reardan. The first scene with him involves him, a racist joke, Arnold punching him, and Roger acting surprisingly scared. But then later on, as Grandmother Spirit's theory becomes more clear, Roger becomes softer and he actually is really nice to Arnold. He is encouraging Arnold's relationship with Penelope and he doesn't rub it in his face that he is poor. He helps him out and seems likes a really good friend. But why does this 180 happen in Roger and why does Arnold accept it so easily after that horrible joke? Is it because they are guys and there is just a secret code or friendship if one punches the other? This doesn't seem very realistic, but maybe it is in some ways. I think that until one person has proven him/herself to another person, they aren't as easily accepted. Arnold proved to Roger that he is tough and isn't the wimp that he first judged him to be. I don't think this completely ties with judgment, but it is just a trust thing. In order to get it, you have to give it right?

"If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing."

Or maybe you have to let your guard down in order to gain trust. Just like how Arnold finally told his friends that he was poor and let down the most shameful barrier in his life and his friends really stepped up.