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Chapter 44
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 watches Natasha approach and is somewhat disappointed when she asks him straight out what happened to his interview. He tells her the truth: he moved it so that he could spend time with her. She won't tell him anything about her appointment except that she has to come back at 3:30 P.M. When Daniel notices her shiver, he helps her into her coat. It feels intimate, like they've been doing that for a long time.
Natasha's caginess about her appointment suggests that her inability to achieve the American dream is possibly shameful for her. This again shows the issues immigrants face as they try to make it in the US, as being there and trying to fit in is an emotional process.
Themes
Natasha asks if Daniel is jeopardizing his future, and Daniel insists he doesn't care—his instinct says that Natasha is worth it. Daniel thinks that he really wants to go cozy up with Natasha, but he needs to deliver the money pouch to Dae Hyun. Natasha agrees to accompany him to Harlem, even though Daniel knows this is a bad idea. He explains to the reader that his dad is weird: he only talks to customers and berates his sons, and he will know something is up. Natasha assures Daniel that all families are strange.
Daniel's use of "instinct" mirrors Natasha's use of the same word, which in turn suggests that there's more at work here than simple coincidence. The way that Daniel describes his dad suggests that his dad is, in some ways, isolated like Natasha is. However, it's yet to be seen if he's attempting to protect himself like she is.
Themes
