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Mateo, 1:28 p.m.
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in They Both Die at the End, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Mortality, Life, and Meaning
Human Connection and Social Media
Choices and Consequences
Friendship and Chosen Family
Business, Ethics, and Dehumanization
Summary
Analysis
Rufus needs to move. He desperately wants to see the Plutos, but he’ll settle for a bike ride—he rode after Olivia and his parents died, and when Aimee broke up with him. Mateo and Rufus argue about whether it’s safe. Rufus insists that he has to ride but that he doesn’t want to leave Mateo, and he reminds Mateo that they’re supposed to be living. Mateo looks ill, and he makes Rufus promise to go slowly. Mateo puts on the helmet and stands on the rear pegs, and Rufus pedals forward.
Agreeing to get on the bike is another huge step for Mateo. Having almost died in the bombing, Mateo understands, at least on some level, that he can’t entirely control the outcome of the day or when he’s going to die. He might as well do something he knows is going to make Rufus happy with his final hours, as doing so is a kind gesture and will help strengthen their friendship.
Themes
