Even though the community in Feathers is pretty tight-knit, many of the characters experience the pain of isolation and loneliness. Even though Sean has grown up in this community his whole life, he still feels like he's separated from everyone else because of his deafness—not only is it hard for him to communicate with other people, but some people actively avoid him once they learn he can't hear. And when Jesus Boy appears in school, he's hazed by kids who think he doesn't belong—even though he has as much right to be in the sixth grade as anyone else. Ugh.
Questions About Isolation
- Why does Sean want to flirt with hearing girls even though they keep rejecting him?
- What makes Rayray stop picking on Jesus Boy?
- Why do Frannie and Jesus Boy both help Trevor up after he falls down?
- Why does Jesus Boy start crying in class?
Chew on This
At first glance, Sean seems to have it all—he's talented, good-looking, and well-loved by his family and friends. But he still feels as though he'll always be kept out of the mainstream world because of his disability.
When Jesus Boy arrives in Frannie's elementary school classroom, he just wants to belong someplace. He's dealt with isolation on the other side of the highway (with the other white kids), and now just wants a place where he won't feel left out.