Tears of a Tiger

After the details of the car crash itself are described, the aftermath of Andy’s grieving process and steadily worsening psychological state become the central aspects of the plot as the boy is compelled to try to find some way to maintain the illusion of carrying on. Internally, however, he remains absolutely devastated by a deadly combination of grief and guilt. Unfortunately, this struggle will ultimately claim his life when he succumbs to his depression and dies by suicide. Well before that point, however, Sharon M. Draper illustrates a myriad of lost opportunities for others to effectively intervene in his decline and provide him with a much needed lifeline. Although he does receive some measure of support from those around him, it is not enough, and thus, Draper strives to emphasize the true depth of psychological crises like the one that Andy unsuccessfully attempts to navigate. Given his own inescapable culpability in Robbie’s death, acknowledging his grief in his therapy sessions only addresses half the problem. He does acknowledge his grief, but nobody can alleviate his guilt, and this will prove to be his downfall.

In the midst of his struggle to heal, Andy reaches out to others in an attempt to connect.