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Chapter 112
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Sun is Also a Star, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Immigration and the American Dream
Passion vs. Reason
Interconnectedness and Destiny
Isolation vs. Connection
Summary
Analysis
Daniel notices that on Attorney Fitzgerald's desk is a file with Natasha's name on it. He explains that he knows Natasha as Fitzgerald rips the file away. Daniel declares that Fitzgerald saved his life because Natasha is "the One" and now, she's not going to be deported. Fitzgerald is incredulous and asks Daniel why he's even at the interview. Daniel admits, finally, that he his parents made him come, and he's not interested in pre-med or even going to Yale. He wants to be a poet, but thought he owed it to his parents to show up. Daniel explains that his parents are immigrants and want desperately for him to have the American dream, which, in their understanding, doesn't allow for being a starving artist.
Daniel's admission that he came to the interview to appease his parents indicates how connected he feels to them, even if he recognizes that they all want different things for the future. It also shows that Daniel is willing to sacrifice some parts of himself to make his parents happy. On the other hand, admitting that he doesn't actually want to go to Yale shows that Daniel is finally coming into himself and choosing to define himself in his terms.
Themes
Attorney Fitzgerald insists the American dream can mean many things, but is shocked when Daniel insists Dae Hyun will cut him off if he doesn't agree to become a doctor. Daniel thinks his dad isn't evil; he just can't allow his sons to forge their own path. Daniel asks Fitzgerald if he's ever done something out of obligation, and Fitzgerald plays with his wedding ring as he tells Daniel to mess up now when the stakes are lower. Daniel asks if he's having an affair with his paralegal, and Fitzgerald explains that it started and ended today.
Given what Daniel has learned from Natasha, he's more comfortable now recognizing that his dad just wants to protect him from his own horrific history. Daniel understands that the history itself will remain secret and he may never fully understand, but regardless, the history is still a part of him.
Themes
Daniel asks if Attorney Fitzgerald is going to let his lover go, and Fitzgerald says they're both going to have to let their lovers go: he wasn't able to stop Natasha's deportation. Daniel barely understands. He becomes angrier and accuses Fitzgerald of not trying hard enough as Fitzgerald explains that there's nothing he can do. All that's left is to call Natasha, which Daniel insists he can't do. Daniel walks out of the office and says he doesn't care about Yale, and further, it doesn't look like Fitzgerald is happy after doing everything he was supposed to do.
Telling Daniel about this is a major breach of confidentiality laws on Attorney Fitzgerald's part, which shows how much of a connection he and Daniel were able to form in just the few minutes they spent speaking to each other. This in turn speaks to Daniel's ability in general to form connections that are meaningful and strong, even with complete strangers.
Themes
