Previous
Chapter 26
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Skellig, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Weakness, Strength, and Hardship
Curiosity, Nature, and Transformation
Love, Empathy, and Caregiving
Imagination, Magic, and Faith
Summary
Analysis
Michael, Leaky, and Coot play a game of ball. Mina draws in her tree. When Michael repeatedly fumbles the ball, Leaky asks what is wrong with him. Leaky and Coot argue over whether Michael is sick or upset. When Michael says that he is just out of practice, Leaky and Coot tease Michael about holding hands with Mina—the girl who climbs like a monkey and calls Michael extraordinary. Michael looks his best friends in the eyes, but they continue to tease him.
In this scene, two different parts of Michael’s life clash. Each of these parts gives him something that the other doesn’t; Leaky and Coot give Michael the brazen activity of football and the bravado of conventionally masculine stoicism. On the other hand, Mina gives emotional and intellectual curiosity and sensitivity. Michael struggles to hold both of these sides to himself at once.
Themes
Michael goes and sits against the garage, wishing things could be like they used to be. When Leaky and Coot come over, Michael explains that the baby is really sick; Leaky says he is sorry. Coot starts kicking the ball against the garage. Michael tells him to stop. When Coot ignores him, Michael shoves him against the garage, punching the wall beside Coot’s head. The garage cracks and shudders. The boys jump away, looking scared. Michael goes to get Dad.
Coot is the kind of friend whom Michael can’t communicate with verbally. While Leaky listens when Michael opens up to him about his hardships, Coot only listens to Michael when Michael physically confronts him. This shows that there are many sides to Michael’s character—a sensitive, communicative side and a physical, rowdy side.
Themes
