Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in It’s Kind of a Funny Story, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Mental Health
Art and Self-Discovery
Peer Pressure vs. Self-Empowerment
Friendship and Romance
Summary
Analysis
That night, Dad comes back to watch Blade II with him, Humble, Bobby, Johnny, the Professor, Ebony, Becca, and a new guy who goes by Human Being. When Noelle comes over, Craig’s Dad can tell immediately that she is part of why Craig is feeling better. Eventually, Craig’s Dad falls asleep, and although Smitty was going to let Craig’s Dad stay after visiting hours, Craig asks for Smitty to kick him out.
Craig’s dad seems to gain a better understanding of Craig’s life once he sees the other patients of the hospital, but he also falls asleep in the middle of the movie, suggesting that perhaps a part of him is still unable to understand or appreciate Craig’s reality. Craig’s decision to kick his father out reflects how he is trying to become independent and perhaps even get away from his father’s traditional ideas of success.
Themes
After his dad leaves, Craig goes back to Muqtada, who is in his room because he doesn’t want to watch a violent movie. Craig plays the Egyptian record that Aaron brought, and Muqtada is overjoyed, saying that it features Egypt’s greatest singer. Armelio comes over, intrigued by the music. He and Muqtada start talking and Armelio convinces him to come over and play cards. This leaves Craig’s room empty, and once Noelle realizes what’s happening, she comes over.
Craig’s selfless gesture toward Muqtada, a man that Craig didn’t seem to like much at first, reinforces his growth as a character. Craig realizes that he can find things in common even with someone from around the world. When Craig plays the Egyptian record on his final night at the hospital, it celebrates his newfound ability to connect to others.
Themes
