The Wednesday Wars

In June, why did Holling's father show him no respect and argue with him about how a boy becomes a man?

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Danny's bar mitzvah serves as the moment both Danny and Holling become young men. Danny transforms through the ritual of his faith into a young adult, with his friends and family beside him. Holling's transformation happens in the parking lot, with only his mother, father, and sister present to see. For the first time in his life, Holling openly argues with his father about what makes a man, and quite firmly explains that he disagrees with Mr. Hoodhood. Holling tells him, albeit not directly, that while he may see himself as a man, he merely goes through the motions of adulthood. Holling seems to be saying that Mr. Hoodhood is not a man, because he never makes a conscious choice about what he wants to do. Rather, he follows a predestined pattern. Holling himself admits he wants more than that, and that in choosing, he can become a man.

While it is clear Mr. Hoodhood is angry about this, his mother and Heather seem to support his decision, and back inside, even Meryl Lee notices there is something different about him. By standing up to his father, Holling has already started the process of adulthood. This is further confirmed by Mrs. Baker, as she tells him his future involves being knowledgeable, and making his own choices. The use of Shakespeare to explain Holling's fate is appropriate, as it is through Shakespeare that Holling has learned much of the world throughout the novel.

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