Chapter 13 Analysis
This chapter is what leads up to the final decision the judge makes for Peter's future. With all the detailed evidence, the audience can start to piece together what would be fair consequences for the characters. Picoult involves the reader by leaving room for opinion and building suspense.
Patrick, a neutral character, provides much evidence for the audience to make a personal decision. When the outcome is different from what we expect, the story becomes more intriguing.
I decided to incorporate the letter from one of the victims in chapter 10 analysis, as it is the only viewpoint from a minor character who was also targeted the day of the shooting.
Angela Phlug's letter is so powerful and memorable, Peter can recite every word. This letter is one of the only accusations that is truly meaningful as it is personally from a victim. She notes that she would have liked to be Peter's friend. When Peter reads this the audience does not know what he is thinking, but we do know his reaction, so we can assume his emotions. This is the first time in the story Peter may actually regret his actions and feel sorry for an innocent victim. She continues the letter with what she is able and disabled of doing. Peter may finally resent what had happened and wished Angela had saved him earlier.
The end of the chapter is a very important piece to the puzzle. Lacy is called to the stand to defend her son. She has troubles speaking and is depressed by the audiences verbal abuse. The audience can understand now that Lacy feels responsible for her son's actions, but cannot go back in time. After Lacy's sympathetic speech, Josie is called off guard to the stand. She states her general information and informs the jury of the early morning routine on the day of the shooting. The audience is left in a cliffhanger when Jordan states, "what happened next"(437). We can assume that Josie's next actions will be interesting as she may confess something totally unexpected. The abrupt ending of the chapter will captivate the audience and prohibit them from setting the book down!