Saturday, September 6, 2008

In The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt, how might Holling's and Meryl Lee's relationship be identified as tragic?

Parts of their relationship could be identified as a tragic relationship, because their mutual affection for each other is greatly affected by forces outside of their control.  


When Meryl Lee and Holling get past the junior high style of flirting that involves making snide comments to each other, they learn that they actually enjoy spending time together.  They even have a real date together, and Holling buys flowers!


Unfortunately, their fathers are at war with each other.  Both of them own their own architectural firms, so they are in constant competition with each other.  Near the end of the story, Meryl Lee informs Holling that she and her family are going to have to move away, because her father isn't finding any work.  It's at that moment that I would describe their relationship as tragic.  It is clear that the two of them have genuine affection for each other, but they are being forced to split by actions and events completely outside of their control or desire.   

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