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Chapter 28
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Stargirl, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Individuality and Conformity
Human Nature
Seeing, Visibility, and Invisibility
Friendship, Love, and Social Pressure
Summary
Analysis
Just as she predicted, Susan wins the contest. Everyone mobs her afterward; even strangers at the hotel smile and congratulate her. It’s as if she has a “magical power” that draws others’ approval. Susan carries her silver trophy plate everywhere. She’s even on the front page of the newspaper the next day.
Susan has her first experience of mass outward approval from those around her. For now, it looks as if her vision of an adoring high school mob might end up coming to pass.
Themes
As Mr. McShane drives them back to Mica later that day, Susan is chatty at first. But as they draw closer to town, she becomes more and more nervous. She keeps sweating, checking her appearance, and changing her mind about whether to hold her trophy when her classmates hoist her onto their shoulders. Leo feels a mounting dread as they approach the high school which, sure enough, looks empty.
Susan is evidently nervous about the unprecedented situation of unprecedented popularity—or else, like Leo, she’s begun to have her doubts about the vision, too.
Themes
When they circle the school, they see two cars and three people—two teachers and Dori Dilson. Dori holds up a big sign, which says, “Way to go, Susan. We’re proud of you.” The sign is shaking as Dori cries.
