Theories of Relativity

Einstein’s theories, particularly regarding black holes, inhabit Dylan’s mind at different intervals throughout the novel. As Dylan reads about Einstein while sinking further into a life of hopelessness, drug abuse, and debt, he begins to relate homelessness to a black hole. In what ways does homelessness resemble a black hole for Dylan and the other street youth? Use these questions to guide your response to the prompt.

• How does Dylan’s need for money create more desperation for him the longer he lives on the streets?
• How does Jenna’s story arc demonstrate the pull of homelessness?
• Which characters have hope of escaping the black hole? Which ones already have? Which ones never will?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt is designed to help students identify the link between the motif of black holes and the story arcs of several characters as they fight their way through homelessness and street life. Consider using the linked resource below to first clarify what black holes are if students are unfamiliar with the concept.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who are more visual learners, you may want to have them draw a circle to represent the black hole and then place characters who are deeper in the cycle of homelessness toward the middle and characters who are on the fringes or escaping homelessness closer to the outer edges in order to represent the pull of homelessness and how it affects the characters of the novel.