The Cumulative Effects of Small Actions

As the novel opens, Jake is determined to counter injustice with retribution. He believes strongly in justice, and because of this, he responds with violence when others act violently against him or his friends. This hurts him in the end because he is almost always the one to get in trouble, not the other party. This is most notable in his interactions with Bobby, but it is also noted in his desire for revenge against Tyler.

Jake believes that violence will change Bobby’s mind. He thinks he can stop the boy from bullying Sam by defending Sam with his fists. He believes this despite the fact that Bobby comes from a family of people who are prejudiced against Muslim people and despite the fact that even Bobby knows his father would be proud if he stood up violently against Sam...