The slow degradation of the Darth Vader poster reflects Jared’s own coming of age—it’s a gradual process, but each day, Jared seems to face a new problem and take on more adult responsibilities. Additionally, the contrast between Mrs. Jaks’s and Jared’s mom’s advice here reflects the difference between Jared’s relationships with the two women. Mrs. Jaks is a much more positive and supportive presence for Jared, as she tries to counsel him to move on and not hold onto anger. Jared’s mother, on the other hand, implies that he should become emotionally hardened to the world and fuel that hardness with violence. But the fact that Jared’s mom’s violence left him without her for a period of time only emphasizes how using violence as an expression of love can be more harmful than helpful.