Chapters 1 to 6
Plot
You must be able to: understand what happens in the opening chapters of the novel.
Who are the first characters that are introduced? Blackman first introduces the character of Dante. He is 17 and is awaiting his A level results. It is clear that he is a highly intelligent individual. He has a girlfriend called Collette who texts him and wishes him good luck. While awaiting his results, Melanie – Dante’s ex-girlfriend – arrives at Dante’s house with a baby in a buggy. She introduces the baby as Emma. The second chapter in this dual narrative novel is from the perspective of Adam, Dante’s younger brother. Another key character in the opening chapters is their father, Tyler Bridgeman.
How is the plot introduced? Blackman’s use of Dante’s internal monologue at the start of the novel helps reveal a lot about his plans for the future and his personality. At the end of Chapter 1, Melanie reveals that Emma is her baby and that Dante is the father. Adam is suffering with headaches following a sports match against another school. It is revealed that Adam has a dramatic fear of hospitals and doctors. Dante struggles to come to terms with Melanie’s news. Melanie tells Dante she needs to run some errands and leaves Emma with him, despite his very vocal protests. While she is gone, Dante’s results arrive – he has achieved four A-stars. Melanie phones Dante while she is out and tells him she is not coming back. Desperately, Dante tries to call her back but he cannot reach her. As Emma’s cries become increasingly intense, Dante retreats to his room. The opening chapters end with his father putting the key in the front door.
How are the central relationships presented in the opening chapters? The relationship between Dante and Emma is initially presented as very distant. Dante uses the pronoun ‘it’ to describe her and is obviously uncomfortable in her presence. Blackman clearly tries to create a sense of realism between the brothers, reflecting the insults and typical banter of siblings, especially in Chapter 2. Despite the insults, it is evident that the two brothers do care for one another. Their father appears to be a strict parent. However, he also appears to put the welfare of his children first, taking time off work to take Adam to the doctor. He is also disappointed that Adam didn’t tell him about the injury he received during the match.
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Plot
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