Character Analysis
Mr. Mitchell is Jack's civics teacher, a World War II vet and a rather toxic anti-Semite among other things. He delivers delightful lessons like:
As far as concentration camps were concerned, we had to remember that nearly all the Jewish scientists had perished there. If they had lived, they would have helped Hitler develop his atomic bomb. (20.4)
(So the Holocaust was a good thing? Um…) According to him, there is only one correct answer to "what is your favorite amendment" and he solves fights between students by lacing up boxing gloves and charging admission. Not exactly teacher of the year… suggesting that Jack's rebellious streak may have some valid points, and that the people who make up the rules may not be the paragons of virtue they say they are.