Chapter 37 (Chapter One) Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
Ari and Dante drive through the desert, covering about 80 miles. The changing desert light reminds Ari of his father’s voice—harsh and hard, unlike the soft, filtered light of Dante’s mountain home. They joke about whether they have arrived, then discuss the word “camp,” which Dante explains originally meant a level field for military exercises but also slang for exaggerated homosexual behavior. Dante sings the Village People’s “Macho Man” and asks if he acts gay. Ari replies that he doesn’t know what that means, and both acknowledge they are still learning what it means to be gay. Dante shares his childhood love of dictionaries and the Christmas he received the Compact Oxford English Dictionary. Ari received a bicycle. They laugh over the difference. Dante confesses his lifelong dream to be an artist, while Ari admits he keeps a journal and dreams of being a cartographer, but above all wants to be a good man. Dante praises Ari’s humility, but Ari counters that he likes to fight, so he is not humble. Dante insists Ari accept compliments, telling him that just because Ari doesn’t think he’s special doesn’t mean Dante agrees. The chapter deepens their intimacy and exploration of identity.
Key Events
- Ari and Dante drive 80 miles through the desert, discussing the meaning of the word “camp.”
- Dante explains both the literal meaning (a level field for military exercises) and the slang meaning (exaggerated homosexual behavior).
- Dante sings the Village People’s “Macho Man” and then asks Ari if he “acts gay.”
- Ari responds that he doesn’t know what that means, and both acknowledge they are still learning about being gay.
- Dante recalls receiving the Compact Oxford English Dictionary as a child; Ari got a bicycle.
- Dante declares his dream to be an artist; Ari shares his desire to be a cartographer and, above all, a good man.
- Ari reflects on his earlier list (from a previous chapter) of things he wants to do, including making love to Dante.
- Dante tells Ari that he is indescribable in any language.
- Dante pushes Ari to say “thank you” for the compliment, and Ari struggles to accept it.
Character Development
- Ari Mendoza: Ari becomes more introspective in this chapter. He admits he has no long-term plans beyond being a good man, showing a shift away from his former fighting tendencies. His difficulty accepting compliments reveals lingering low self-worth, but the conversation helps him open up about his feelings for Dante and his lack of a clear passion.
- Dante Quintana: Dante is more openly emotional and playful here. He worries about stereotypes (acting camp) but also celebrates his identity by joking about the Village People. His devotion to art and language, and his insistence that Ari accept praise, highlight his empathy and sensitivity. Dante’s unconditional admiration for Ari contrasts with Ari’s self-doubt.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Desert Light vs. Mountain Light: Ari contrasts the harsh desert light (his own hardness) with the softer, filtered light of Dante’s home. This motif reinforces the emotional differences between the two characters and the idea that environment shapes identity.
- Language and Etymology: The discussion of “camp” and the word “gay” shows the power of language to shape and label identity. Dante’s love of dictionaries and his explanation of “camp” illustrate how words carry both literal and cultural baggage.
- Performance vs. Authenticity: The Village People reference and Dante’s question about acting gay explore the tension between stereotypical gay behavior and authentic self-expression. Ari dismisses the need to act a certain way, suggesting that identity is not about performance.
- Humility and Fighting: Ari’s claim that he is not humble because he likes to fight raises the theme of protective aggression. Dante insists that Ari is inherently humble, pointing to a gap between Ari’s self-perception and how others see him.
- Dreams and Ambition: Ari’s lack of a clear passion contrasts with Dante’s strong artistic identity. Ari values being a good man over any career, which suggests a redefinition of success and purpose.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 37 (“Chapter One”) marks a turning point in Ari and Dante’s relationship. Their road trip conversation moves from playful joking to a vulnerable examination of identity, dreams, and self-worth. Dante’s worry about acting camp reveals his internalized concerns about how others perceive gay men, while Ari’s refusal to accept compliments shows his ongoing struggle with self-esteem. The chapter also deepens the novel’s meditation on language—the word “camp” becomes a lens through which they discuss both their individuality and their place in a broader culture. By the end, they are more honest with each other about their feelings (Ari thinks about making love to Dante) and about their futures. This conversation prepares them for the larger challenges ahead, making it a crucial moment of intimacy and growth.
Study Questions and Answers
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What does the word “camp” mean in this context, and how do Ari and Dante’s reactions reveal their attitudes toward gay identity?
Dante explains that “camp” can mean a level field for military activities, but also slang for exaggerated, stereotypical homosexual behavior. Dante worries he might be seen as camp, while Ari dismisses the idea that acting a certain way defines homosexuality. This shows Dante’s anxiety about fitting stereotypes and Ari’s more carefree, questioning stance. -
How does Ari respond to Dante’s dream of being an artist, and what does Ari’s own lack of a clear passion reveal about his character?
Ari affirms Dante’s artistic identity, telling him that art is not just what he does but who he is. Ari admits he has no long-term plan and only wants to be a good man. This reveals his humility, his focus on character over achievement, and his ongoing search for meaning. -
Why does Dante insist Ari say “thank you” when complimented, and what does this tell us about Ari?
Dante pushes Ari to accept praise because Ari deflects compliments by arguing that he is not humble. This tells us that Ari struggles with self-worth; he sees himself as a fighter rather than a person deserving of admiration. Dante’s insistence highlights the gap between Ari’s internal view and the love Dante feels for him.