Tangerine+Themes


 * Theme**: Theme describes what the story is all about. Themes tend to be an important message that the author wants to get across about human conditions or problems.


 * Themes in Tangerine**


 * Honesty**: Antoine Thomas suffers because he hides the fact that he does not live in the school district where he attends school and plays football. His sister, Shandra, also suffers because she must hide the fact that they are brother and sister in order to keep his secret. Once he decided to come clean and tell everyone the truth, he feels much better.


 * Sports and "Favorites"**: Erik gets special treatment because he has the ability to kick a football straight and far. Because this could possibly lead to a college scholarship, his parents ignore his bad behavior.


 * Hard Work towards a Goal:** Paul works hard to uncover the truth about his eyes and eventually, he discovers the truth.


 * Family issues:** The author shows us that parents can make bad choices when deciding how to handle difficult situation. Paul's parents have what sounds like a good reason to do what they did when the incident involving Paul's eyes happened. They did not want Paul to hate Erik. But, with good advice from grandparents, they realize that they should have gotten help for Erik years ago. Covering for him was not a good solution.


 * Overcoming social class differences:** As Paul Fisher becomes aware of the two social classes in the area to which he has moved, he easily adjusts to the class to which he doesn't seem to belong. He see's the good qualities in people.


 * The need to belong:** Like all of us, Paul wants to be accepted by others. When he feels accepted, he feels great. When he feels like he is a real part of the team, he is pleased. When a girl acts like he is good just the way he is, he is happy.


 * Facing fear and overcoming it:** Paul learns how to dace dear by watching Luis. When Erik and Arthur try to bully Paul, Paul thinks they are lame. He remembers how fearless Luis was when he faced Erik.


 * Honesty in relationships:** Mrs. Fisher shows us the importance of honesty in relationships. She is very upset when she discovers that Erik has not been honest. While not being accusatory toward hi, she seems to be a little less sure about Paul after she discovers that she cannot trust Erik. It is not usual that, once a person discovers dishonesty in someone, they trust others less.