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Part Three, Chapter Five
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Identity, Ethnicity, and Masculinity
Silence and Trauma vs. Communication
Family and Coming of Age
Intellectualism and Emotion vs. Physical Strength
Summary
Analysis
The next morning, Mom washes Ari’s hair, gives him a sponge bath, and shaves him. After she leaves, Ari sobs and feels as though he’s never been this sad. Mom leaves Ari to cry in peace. Later, Ari practices rolling around the house in his wheelchair and declines Mom’s offer of TV. They discuss Ari’s book and in the afternoon, Cecelia and Sylvia come for dinner. Ari is glad for the normalcy. After dinner, Ari, Mom, and Dad sit on the porch and drink coffee. Mom and Dad hold hands, and Ari wonders if a person can discover the mysteries of the universe by holding someone’s hand.
Wondering if holding hands (and by extension, intimacy) can show a person the mysteries of the universe indicates that Ari is fully aware of the importance of connection—something that requires communication. Again, this offers hope for his development going forward, as he at least sees the importance of developing vulnerability and better communication skills.
Themes
