Chapter 13, Education Summary and Analysis

In chapter thirteen, Miller admits that he grew up believing he was stupid. With no evening supervision, he neglected his schoolwork on a regular basis. The ensuing low grades served to prove his suspicions. He equates such actions to a large dog that submits to a small cat, not exercising his own muscle. School, Miller thought, only needed to be survived. Seventy percent of high school dropouts, Miller points out, come from fatherless homes.

A person left alone cannot grow, Miller asserts. Though a person owns responsibility for his/her own life and actions, the conditions in Miller's life supported his feelings of low worth.

However, in his senior year, Miller reaches a changing point. In order to share classes with an attractive girl, Miller seeks the help of the guidance counselor. She refuses to allow Miller into Honors...