Chapter Three
The Surrender
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The beginning of Beau's reclamation
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Philosophies Book Club Questions.
“Hope is a word which God has written on the brow of every man”
- Victor Hugo
Hope is the central theme of this chapter as Beau finds himself in a troubling situation at school, which appears to be a disproportionate response to the incident. Being in the shoes of a 14-year-old struggling to cope with a world that is too much for them is crucial. Their still-developing brains make every problem seem insurmountable. To add to this, Beau is in a foreign country without his family and still grappling with a tragic event from his past. Despite finding happiness, he is now on the brink of losing everything, and it all seems too much to bear. Beau feels trapped with no escape from life's troubles except through ending it all.
In this critical moment, Hugo's quote defines Beau's experience: "It is out of suffering that humans become angels." KK had saved Beau from the crack house, but now he saves him from himself, which solidifies their relationship on a deeper level.
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Moreover, the committee hearing scene is pivotal in Beau's development, as he faces the judges and ultimately prospers. This experience boosts his confidence and ignites the flame of hope for better times ahead.
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Book Club Questions
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Would Beau and KK's relationship have developed as strongly if Beau had not attempted suicide?
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2. KK already knew that Beau had some issues, describing him as a "lost puppy." However, now he learns that Beau's problems are much more severe than he had realized, even though he doesn't know the specifics. How does this new information affect KK?
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3. Why would Celeste choose to sponsor David Koresh?