Chapters 13 through 16 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 13, The Joy and Monotony of School, describes the author's first impressions of school. He always raised his hand to demonstrate that he knew the answer, wanting to separate himself from children he considered stupid or lazy. He liked the fact that the teacher had authority, which was in direct contrast to the disorder he experienced at home. He identified the teacher with his mother because he wanted the approval of both of these important women in his life. Once the novelty of school wore off, the days moved slowly, so he looked out the window and fantasized much of the time. He was also fascinated by the other students, especially how different they were from him and from each other. Physical punishments, some of them rather brutal, were commonplace, and Pamuk considered them entertaining and a break from...