Quote 4
Ironically, as we discovered and distinguished ourselves, a new collective came into being—a vitality, a presence, a spirit that had not been there before (9.6).
Sometimes, we really have to give Leo some props. He can be really wise, when he's on his game, like in this moment, when he notices that when individuality is appreciated by the group, the group itself becomes stronger. But how exactly does that work? What is it about embracing individuality that makes the group more spirited, more successful, more vital?
Quote 5
Unlike Stargirl, I was aware of the constant anger of our schoolmates, seething like snakes under a porch. In fact, I was not only aware of it, but at time I also understood their point of view […] I saw. I heard. I understood. I suffered. But whose sake was I suffering for? I kept thinking of Señor Saguaro's question: Whose affection do you value more, hers or the others'?
I became angry. I resented having to choose. I refused to choose. I imagined my life without her and without them, and I didn't like it either way (23.8-10).
Even though we're not the biggest fans of how Leo treats Stargirl, we can toss some sympathy his way. It is really tough being a social pariah (that's pariah, not piranha). This is a terrible situation to be placed in. It is not at all comfortable, especially since he connects a lot of his identity to belonging to this group. On the other hand, he can't imagine not having Stargirl. This dude's a mess. He better get his act together and choose, yes?
Quote 6
"I'm invisible," I said to Kevin at lunch. "Nobody hears me. Nobody sees me. I'm the friggin' invisible man."
[…]
"What did I do?" My voice was louder than I intended.
He chewed. He stared. At last he said, "You know what you did."
I had linked myself to an unpopular person.
That was my crime (24.24-32).
Crime is a strong word, but it fits when you consider how terribly the school is treating Leo and Stargirl. No wonder Leo seems to be breaking under the stress. He feels like the invisible man, and in many ways, he is. Or at least he might as well be.