As so often happens in small towns like Steepleton, people in The Body of Christopher Creed have some pretty clear—and narrow—ideas about what is normal and what is not. And in Steepleton, this means that unless you're a rich white kid with respected parents, well, let’s just say growing up isn't going to be easy for you. And not just because your home life might be terrible, because kids at school are likely to torment you. The popular kids anyway.
Identity is a major player in this book, whether we're talking about Torey questioning and then transforming his behavior and social positioning, Ali's inescapable slut status, or Chris's inability to be accepted by anyone in any part of his life. But then again, this is a book about high school kids, so of course identity's a theme.
Questions About Identity
- What makes Torey a normal kid?
- What makes Torey abnormal in the eyes of his friends? In his own eyes? How about once he goes to Rothborne?
- What makes Chris Creed abnormal? What about Leo?
- How much do these kids' identities have to do with the community? Their families? Their own desires?
- Does each society have its own definition of "normal" or is there one right idea of normal that all societies share?
Chew on This
In The Body of Christopher Creed, the truth is never what's normal.
The Body of Christopher Creed highlights the importance of finding fault with societies that foster a fear and hatred of diversity.