Theories of Relativity

“My mother would have given me away for pocket change—or less.”

Dylan’s persistent disdain for his mother is first shown in this quote at the very beginning of the novel. Though she hasn’t been introduced yet, Dylan’s mom is characterized through Dylan’s recollections of her and his explanations of the circumstances of his abandonment by her. This quote shows that Dylan knows his mother cares very little for him, which also reveals Dylan’s attitude about his upbringing.

“My fingers search the cardboard container, but I’ve finished the fries. I squirt ketchup over my fingers and lick it off. I’m never full. I think it was one of the reasons I had to leave—or, rather, why my mother kicked me out. Jenna’s a runaway, but I’m a throwaway. Tossed out. Like garbage.”

This quote shows Dylan’s desperate hunger after living on the streets for several weeks. He hasn’t experienced what it’s like to have a full stomach in a long time and licks ketchup off his fingers for just a little more sustenance. The end of this quote also reveals what Dylan believes about himself because of the way his mother discarded him.

“I’ve never expended so much energy protecting a single article as I do for this backpack, but everything I own is inside: my clothes, my music, a sliver of soap, a razor, a ratty toothbrush, photographs. I live in constant fear of losing me.”

Dylan explains the importance of his backpack. Through this list and what Dylan says about it, it’s clear that Dylan has attached his identity to the backpack, and he worries that losing it would be like losing the last bits of himself that he has left.