Sexual Tension Between Rooney and Pip

Oseman uses the sexual tension between Rooney and Pip as comic relief. Their bantering and denial of their attraction to each other contrasts with the devastation Georgia feels as she tries to determine her sexual identity.

Georgia recognizes that Pip and Rooney like each other the first time she sees them together. The two begin bantering immediately referring to Rooney’s potted fern, named Roderick: “Rooney’s eyebrow quivered, like she was surprised and pleased that Pip’s immediate reaction was banter. 'He has. He’s been enjoying the northern air’ (45). Pip and Rooney determine that they both like theater and agree that they will be competing for a lead role.

Trouble arises for Pip and Rooney when Pip sees Rooney kissing a man. Pip had assumed Rooney was homosexual when she first began flirting with her. Her attitude changes when...