Chapter 17: I Would Dye For You Summary and Analysis

Hope, now seeming better, begins this chapter in an argument with Neil. After Neil criticizes Hope's lack of a love life, she points out that Neil's boyfriend is a 14 year old boy. Augusten takes Hope's side in the argument, calling Hope normal, a word not frequently heard in the Finch household. In doing so, Augusten shows more fidelity to Hope than his boyfriend, Neil, does.

The very adult relationship between Augusten and Neil quickly becomes overwhelming. Augusten proclaims it feels like overeating. He has premonitions about future hurt form Neil, because the love is too intense. Though Augusten enjoys Neil avid attention, he hates the emotional confessions that follow. To demonstrate his love, Neil allows Augusten to dye his hair. When it turns out green, Neil questions Augusten's calling to beauty...