Boy at the Edge of Everything Dramaturgy
Imagination
"This one little blue and green planet, feeding itself with ideas. And the children became adults, and the ideas, they became real" (34).
So what?
Imagination is not, or should not, just be child's play. Imagination fosters problem-solving, increases empathy, leads to innovation, and helps relieve stress. Adults need to play too (Conklin).
Stress, Grief, and Mental Health
"Mum stopped combing her hair...Dad stopped playing his favourite Irish lady singer, and instead we had to listen to either silence or this guy called Leonard Cohen... I preferred the silence" (19).
So what?
Even 12-year-olds experience stress, grief, and other mental health struggles. These are universal experiences, and younger children should be taught how to navigate them.
Friendship and Connection
"I sit on the Edge of Everything, and I stare at the other people on the other planets. And even though they're far away -- it's nice to know they're there" (29).
So what?
“We humans are social beings. We come into the world as the result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others. Whether we like it or not, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others’ activities. For this reason it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others.” -The Dalai Lama
Benefits of Perspective
"But as I say this to The Boy, I realise... that's not true. I do miss them -- all those things that used to fill my brain diary. All those people that used to fill my days... I miss them a lot" (31).
So what?
Looking at things from a different perspective can improve communication and increase understanding (Shrader). It can also help us appreciate things we didn't notice before, like Simon.
Hope
"There are quite a few planets I've seen turn up, over the years, but this one -- it caught my eye. It just looked so... hopeful " (33).
So what?
“For me, finding hope is not some philosophical exercise or sentimental notion; it is a prerequisite for my survival.”
- John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed
