Felix

Felix’s name represents his trans identity. Felix’s father not calling him by Felix symbolizes how he has not fully accepted Felix’s gender identity.

Painting

Painting symbolizes self-expression and discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Felix cannot paint anything, due to his clouded sense of self. As he learns more about himself, his worth, and his identity, he begins painting more and more, symbolizing his discoveries.

Brown University

Brown University represents Felix’s need to prove himself to other people. He believes getting into a school like Brown would show he is worthy. By the end of the novel, he does not feel the need to go to Brown, finding his own self-worth.

Emails

Felix’s drafted emails to his mom symbolize the energy and worry he puts into his relationship with her, despite how one-sided it is. Felix finally deleting all his...