Chapter 15 Analysis
This is the second last chapter in the novel, but it is the beginning of the conclusion. A summary of Peter's consequences are listed. Peter should have been valued for his iconoclasm, it winds up turning him into its own kind of stereotype: the victim forced to fight. The only way out of Peter's misery was to stand up, and in we realize he would rather be dead instead of continuing life in jail. The words Picoult chooses to share how Peter commits suicide are gentle and calm. The way he slips into a sleep was a peaceful way for Peter's character to go. This leaves the reader with a sense of relief, since Peter's other option was to spend the rest of his life continuing to be bullied, and in jail. As Peter reaches his deep sleep, he goes back to the place where it all began. Although, this time his journey is a fresh beginning, where no one is on the bus to bother him. I think this symbolizes that no one can bother him in the next life. Bullies won't exist where Peter is going.