Flashbacks play a major part in the novel, Tangerine by Edward Bloor. Paul Fisher, the protagonist, frequently sets the scene as a memory he has from when he was younger, or a flashback. One thing I’ve noticed as a reader is that many of these moments justify or even foreshadow events in the book or Paul’s feelings. From a young age, Paul had not been a huge fan of his older brother, Erik. Always teasing and tormenting him, Erik was constantly the star and center of attention in the Fisher family. He was athletic (a football star) and pretty well- rounded in his parents eyes, but not Paul’s. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher’s opposing point of view to Paul’s on their eldest son left Paul wanting attention. Erik, gave him that attention, that negative …show more content…
On page 34, it states, “Erik and his friends laughed about the joke,” The nickname Eclipse Boy given to him as a mere kindergartner ended up sticking with him his whole life. This “joke” that Erik made was a permanent memory, tattooed into Paul’s brain. It sets the Erik-Paul relationship for the reader. It also foreshadows how Erik treats Paul now, as a 13 year old. It almost explains one of the reasons that Paul is so afraid of Erik. Another good text example is on the next page, page 35. It states, “So I sat there on that yellow school bus- Erik Fisher’s younger brother, Eclipse Boy, visually impaired and totally incapable of following in his brother’s footsteps.” This example is a near perfect explanation of Paul’s emotions and his feelings towards Erik right now. 8 years later, in some people’s eyes, Paul is still just Erik’s little brother. While many think older siblings are meant to be good role models and positive supporters to their younger siblings, Erik is the opposite. His egotistical personality, bad sportsmanship, and self-centered nature do not benefit Paul whatsoever, and he expresses that in his narration throughout the novel. As you may be able to see, this flashback justifies Paul’s unfavorable attitude and feelings towards his older