• Engelsk
  • Uddannelse: HHX
  • Karakter: 12 tal
  • Ord: 1236

Indledning
Being different from everybody else during your teenage years can be very difficult. This is the time in your life where you are supposed to enjoy school, meet new friends, and have fun.

But when your personality seems to be the complete opposite of all the other boys around you, it can be hard to fit in and feel accepted by your peers. This is how Patrick in the short story ''Biology'' by Kevin Wilson felt during his time in middle school.

The short story explores the different conflicts he went through, and how a comforting bond with his favorite teacher helped him through the hardships of being different.

Optimer dit sprog - Læs vores guide og scor topkarakter

Uddrag
This is why the relationship between Patrick and Mr. Reynolds is super important in this short story. The relationship gives Patrick a much better time in school and gives him hope for the future.

They are both unpopular weird outcasts who struggle to fit in with the rest, which seems to be the exact reason why they enjoy each other's company so much.

Patrick quickly lets Mr. Reynolds know that he is his favorite teacher despite Mr. Reynolds saying he doesn't feel like a good teacher which also gives Mr. Reynolds more hope for his future as a teacher.

After Patrick tells him this their relationship only grows stronger. We can see just how strong their relationship is getting because they begin to eat lunch together in the classroom where they discuss very personal things you normally wouldn't discuss with your teacher, such as sex

“I didn’t have sex, though,” I said. (...) “It isn’t necessary for a good life,” he said. (...) “Have you ever had sex?” I asked, and he blushed, but he didn’t seem angry with me. “Yeah,” he said finally. “In Vietnam. It was awful.” (p.4, ll.206-212)

A topic like this is very private and is usually something you keep to yourself, but Mr. Reynolds has no problem in sharing it with Patrick and teaches him that it is normal to feel different when it comes to things like sex.

It seems that Mr. Reynolds sees some of himself in Patrick which might be the reason why he keeps him company while also giving him advice about life because he has experienced it himself.