Personal Agency

One of Arlo’s greatest struggles is his lack of agency in his own life. At first, his decisions and future are defined by what Brother Birch and Molly want from him. By the end, he learns to take control of his own life and proves that he is just as capable as everyone else.

Even from childhood, Arlo’s desires are not taken into account. This is shown when Brother Birch and Molly remove Arlo from his mother’s home. He pleads with them to take him back, convinced that he has done something wrong. Yet, they refuse. Furthermore, Molly and Brother Birch keep significant amounts of information from Arlo; something he is completely aware of and frustrated by. This is why he is so excited to work with Cyril, “[a] new interpreter who will interpret everything” (29). When Molly refuses to interpret things she...