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Chapter 22
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in About a Boy, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Chosen Family
Coming of Age and Maturity
Alienation and Mental Illness
Identity, Pop Culture, and Fitting In
Summary
Analysis
Marcus thinks that having separated parents is an especially good thing during Christmas because he gets two sets of gifts and spends the holiday with more people than just the three of them, as they would likely be doing if his parents were still together. Most of Christmas Day this year is loads of fun, but as the day wears on, a series of small arguments break out within the group, ranging from Clive’s inappropriate use of marijuana in front of Marcus to Fiona’s annoyance with the mere presence of Lindsey’s mother. Ultimately, though, these rows don’t put too much of a damper on the holiday.
That Marcus sees his parents’ separation as inherently beneficial because it results in more gifts and a larger holiday gathering for him speaks to his pragmatic, optimistic attitude, finding silver linings in his family’s unconventional situation. The small conflicts merely highlight the complexity of blending different family dynamics and personalities. The fact that these disputes do not ruin the day entirely suggests a resilience and willingness among the group to maintain a semblance of harmony.
Themes
Later in the day, Suzie visits the flat with her baby girl, Megan. Seeing Will for the first time since she learned the truth about his “single dad” charade, Suzie blatantly ignores him. Marcus finds the awkward moment absolutely thrilling, and he watches Will silently debate whether he should leave the gathering or stay. Inevitably, a confrontation takes place, leading Suzie to express her frustration toward Will and leading Will to try and leave early. But Marcus defends Will, explaining that he’s his friend and has been able to help Marcus in ways no one else has. Eventually, the adults release their grudges—at least for the day—and Will chooses to stay a little longer.
Suzie’s cold treatment of Will provides an awkward but thrilling moment for Marcus, who is intrigued by the fascinating social dynamics at play. Marcus’s defense of Will highlights the genuine bond they have formed, emphasizing the positive impact Will has had on his life. This moment of advocacy demonstrates Marcus’s growing confidence and loyalty. The resolution, where the adults temporarily set aside their grudges, allows Will to stay, signifying a tentative but hopeful step towards acceptance and forgiveness.
Themes
