David Mitchell’s, Black Swan Green, reveals the complexities that one faces when conforming for acceptance and the liberty that comes with being true to yourself. There is a lot of internalization that goes along with becoming a young adult. "I’m a kid. I’m thirteen. You said it’s a miserable age, being thirteen, and you’re right. If you don’t fit in, they make your life a misery”. (BSG, pg. 154) Jason Taylor like many 13-year-old adolescents is having difficulties growing up, he is struggling with trying please others instead of doing what he really wants to do, so that he can simply fit in. Throughout the story the two things that define Jason is his stammer and his love for poetry. Jason hides both of these characteristics from his peers …show more content…
The emergence of Jason’s stammer during a classroom game of hangman is gruesomely familiar to anyone who has anxieties that stem from wanting to fit in and/or constantly worrying about what other think of you. “Miss Throckmorton said, “Yes, Jason?” and that was when my life divided itself into Before Hangman and After Hangman. The word “nightingale” kaboomed in my skull but it just wouldn't come out. The n got out okay, but the harder I forced the rest, the tighter the noose got. I remember Lucy Steads whispering to Angela Bullock, stifling giggles. I remember Robin South staring at this bizarre sight. I’d’ve done the same if it hadn't been me.” (BSG, p.26) As the form assembly looms closer and closer Jason’s stammer becomes more of a challenge to deal with. After this dreadful event Jason’s teacher suggest that he should see a speech therapist to his mother. Mrs. Dee Roo who is Jason’s speech therapist is introduced in this chapter as well. Many of the adults in Jason’s life do not really know how to help him manage and aid him in overcoming his stammer but his speech therapist is able to actually connect in ways that others cannot. “Mrs. De Roo asked if I’d spoken to Mr. Kempsey about excusing me for a few weeks. I already had done, I told her, and this is what he’d said “We must all face our demons one day, Taylor, and for you, …show more content…
Blake but finds himself frightened after being confronted by him. He gains respect from the boys and is a hero at school the next day. Opening his pencil case, he finds a note with letters clipped from newsprint that reads “the Graveyard 8 tonight Spooks”. (BSG, p.125) Jason knows instantly what this means, “One number and four words’d just changed my life…my bravery last night obviously must’ve impressed the right people”. (BSG, p.126). Jason is convinced that he has won the cool kids over with his fearlessness. Spooks is a local secret society of boys who look out for each other. Made up of all the boys that Jason idolizes, Pluto Noak, Grant Burch, Gilbert Swinyard, Peter Redmarley, and John Tookey. Being part of this clique would guarantee him the social status he craves. Jason and his unofficial best friend Dean “Moron” Moran are challenged with making it through six back gardens in 15 minutes. Jason makes in with ten seconds left, but his friend Moran is injured when he falls through the green house. Jason finds himself torn between being a part of the crew and helping Dean. doesn’t know what to do. Jason wants to join the Spooks but has been ordered not to help Moran. Dean has always been there for Jason even before considering being a part of the Spooks. He knows the right thing to do is go back to help his friend in spite of what will happen to his now “popular” status. Even though Jason has