Chapter 34 Summary: Dante's Valedictorian Honor and a Buried Dream
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Dante tells Ari that he has been named valedictorian at Cathedral High School. He is not allowed to give a speech, only to accept a plaque and say thank you. Dante expresses disappointment because he wanted to give a speech about being gay and about bigotry. Ari points out that a speech like that would likely not be allowed at a Catholic school. They discuss the fact that the administration is not concerned with what students like them want to hear. Dante wishes they could speak freely; Ari wishes the adults would admit they are not superior. Later that night, Ari recalls a conversation earlier in the semester about a prestigious Paris fellowship for young artists that Dante had considered. Dante never brought it up again, and Ari decides not to ask, wondering if he applied and whether he was accepted.
Key Events
- Dante learns he is valedictorian at Cathedral High School.
- He tells Ari he will not be allowed to give a commencement speech.
- Dante says he wanted to talk about being gay and about how bigotry is the school's problem, not his.
- Ari suggests such a speech would not be welcomed; Dante questions why they cannot speak.
- Ari expresses his desire for adults to admit they are not better than the students.
- Later, Ari lies in bed thinking about a conversation from earlier in the semester about a Paris fellowship for young artists that Dante had considered.
- Ari wonders whether Dante applied but decides not to ask him about it.
Character Development
- Dante Quintana: Shows his desire to speak openly about his identity and homophobia. He is proud of his academic achievement but frustrated by the constraints. His decision not to pursue the Paris speech suggests a deeper internal conflict about how much to push against institutional boundaries.
- Ari Mendoza: Demonstrates his protective instincts and his tendency to avoid potentially painful conversations. His decision not to ask about the Paris fellowship indicates his fear of disrupting the happiness in their relationship or causing Dante pain.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Silence and Speech: The inability to give a speech represents a larger silencing of LGBTQ+ voices in institutions. Dante wants to speak but is not permitted.
- Homophobia as Institutional: The school's refusal to allow a speech about being gay illustrates how homophobia is embedded in systemic rules, not just individual prejudice.
- Avoidance and Protection: Ari's choice not to ask about the Paris fellowship shows how love can sometimes lead to avoidance of difficult truths.
- Bigotry as the Other's Problem: Dante's line about bigotry being "their problem" reinforces a theme of taking a stand despite external oppression.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the exploration of Dante's identity and the limitations placed on him within a Catholic school environment. It also foreshadows potential future conflict regarding the Paris fellowship, hinting at dreams deferred or secrets kept. The conversation between Ari and Dante solidifies their differing approaches to activism and vulnerability. Ari's internal reflection reveals his ongoing struggle with silence and fear in their relationship.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why is Dante disappointed about being named valedictorian?
He is not allowed to give a speech; he can only accept a plaque and say thank you. He wanted to use the opportunity to speak about being gay and to call out bigotry. -
What does Ari wish the adults would admit?
Ari wishes they would admit they are not better than the students, acknowledging the equality of all people. -
Why does Ari decide not to ask Dante about the Paris fellowship?
Ari senses that Dante dropped the subject intentionally and does not want to bring up something that might upset him or change the current happiness in their relationship.