In All the Bright Places, change is arguably good, or bad, or both. (Part of what makes it so confusing is that most of the good changes stem from some sort of bad change.) Only one thing's for sure: Change is inevitable.
Finch probably understands this better than anyone. He helps Violet accept the change that has rocked her life—the death of her sister—by teaching her how to appreciate life in the moment. It's sad how quickly she had to draw on that knowledge a second time, following the death of Finch.
Questions About Change
- Who do you think changes the most over the course of the novel? Explain your answer.
- What changes in Finch's family life have recently occurred? How does he feel about those changes?
- Is there anything or anyone that stays the same over the course of the novel? Explain your answer.
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In the world of the book, change is a force for good. It helps Violet overcome her sadness and move on with her life.
In the world of the book, change is a force for bad. It only brings death and heartache.