Chapter 4 Analysis
This chapter is significant to the novel as a whole because it is the first the audience learns about Peter's childhood experiences. The first day of kindergarten was the first of Peter being bullied by classmates. This shows how long bullying has occurred in Peter's life and how early of an age he was traumatized at.
The audience learns about Alex's life and how stressful it really is. This is another conflict in the novel that adds to the drama of the focal point.
The relationship Josie and Peter share at this point is important and allows us to see how their past changed so dramatically. The close bond the two shared relates to the incident at Sterling High. Alex isn't mad that Josie gets in trouble to stick up for Peter, but she tells Josie this won't work in the real world. When Alex lectures Josie for her actions, the reader realizes that Josie's heart was in the right place, and perhaps this may be the only time someone sticks up for Peter.
When Josie and Peter are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, the consequences last a lifetime. Both Josie and Peter's mother do not understand the situation and argue who is right. Neither parents come to a conclusion, so the friends are separated.