Summary Of This Boy's Life By Tobias Wolff

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In his autobiographical story, This Boy's Life, Tobias Wolff discusses the journey that both he and his mother went through searching for financial stability and a peaceful life. On this journey Tobias is left with no positive male influence, which not only causes him to develop several behavioral problems, but makes the past have a long-term impact on his life. As hard as it may be, Tobias is forced to grow up at a young age, and alone, which is something he must face. Through his journey of adolescence, Tobias seems to show signs of emotional and behavioral disorders, which were caused by not having any rules or regulations to follow. To try to avoid the harsh realities of his past, Tobias develops many different distinct personalities at various points. In the beginning of the novel, he expresses an interest in changing his name. He writes, "I wanted to call myself Jack, after Jack London. I believed having his name would charge me with some of the strength and competence inherent of my idea of him" (Wolff, 8). Tobias did change his name to Jack, but the "strength and competence" that…show more content…
He not only lies by changing his grades for the prep school applications, but he continuously changes his C's to A's on his report . He also lies to priests in confession and to friends about his hunting conquests and steals things while roaming the streets of Seattle with his friends. Jack being depicted as thief reflects his concern for physical safety as he continues breaking the law. He believes that if he acts rebellious he is invincible and no one can harm him. One would think that Jack is a disturbed child with no redeeming qualities. However, his portrayal of himself and his illness comes across as almost touching. The reader can see his endless struggle with these issues in his own conscience, which creates a positive understanding of how his troubled past has influence his present
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