Chapter 67 Summary: A Conversation About Friendship and Jealousy
⚠️ 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 are hanging out in Dante’s room, which is unusually clean. The conversation turns to Cassandra. Ari explains that he feels Cassandra decided not to be anyone’s victim, and that her father’s emotional abuse doesn’t fully explain her choices. Ari admits he has a connection with Cassandra unlike any he has had before, and he believes she feels it too. Dante grows quiet and eventually confesses that this bothers him—that Ari shares something with Cassandra that he doesn’t share with Dante. Ari tries to reassure him there’s no reason to feel threatened. Dante then directly asks Ari if he might be bisexual. Ari responds that he doesn’t think so; what he feels for Cassandra is not sexual. He explains that he is discovering he likes women as people—their honesty and vulnerability—and that he finds women much nicer than men. Dante nods, acknowledges Ari might be right, and suggests they talk about something else.
Key Events
- Ari and Dante discuss Cassandra’s decisions about her life and trauma.
- Ari reveals he has a unique emotional connection with Cassandra.
- Dante admits feeling jealous and threatened by that connection.
- Dante asks Ari whether he might be bisexual.
- Ari clarifies that his feelings for Cassandra are not sexual; he values women’s honesty and vulnerability.
- Dante accepts Ari’s explanation but changes the subject.
Character Development
- Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza: Ari continues to explore his emotional world. He is honest with Dante about his bond with Cassandra, showing a growing comfort with naming his feelings. He also articulates a nuanced view of his own sexuality—he is sure he is not attracted to girls sexually, but he is open to appreciating women as friends and human beings. This moment deepens Ari’s self-awareness and his ability to communicate about intimate subjects.
- Dante Quintana: Dante displays vulnerability by admitting jealousy. His direct question about bisexuality shows both his insecurity and his willingness to engage with complex emotional topics. By the end, he chooses to protect his own comfort by steering away from the conversation, indicating that he still struggles with fully confronting his fears.
- Cassandra (off-page): Though not present, Cassandra’s character looms large. She represents a type of friendship that challenges the exclusive intimacy between Ari and Dante, highlighting the evolving dynamics in Ari’s relationships.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Jealousy and Emotional Exclusivity: Dante’s jealousy underscores the tension that can arise when one partner in a relationship desires to be the sole confidant. The chapter explores how close friendships can coexist without threatening romantic bonds.
- Sexuality and Labels: Ari’s careful response—neither rejecting nor embracing the label “bisexual”—reflects the novel’s interest in fluid identity and the difficulty of pinning down desire. Ari emphasizes that emotional connection does not automatically imply sexual attraction.
- Gender and Vulnerability: Ari observes that women can be “honest and vulnerable” in ways men are not. This motif connects to earlier themes of emotional repression, especially among male characters.
- The Clean Room: The detail that Dante’s room is “more or less” clean may be a small symbol of order and attempt at control, contrasting with the messy emotions that arise in the conversation.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point in Ari and Dante’s relationship. Up to now, their bond has felt exclusive, but Ari’s friendship with Cassandra introduces a new element. Dante’s jealousy forces the couple to confront the possibility of emotional space between them. The discussion about bisexuality also contributes to Ari’s ongoing journey of understanding his own sexuality. The chapter reinforces that love does not require possession of all aspects of a person’s inner life, and that openness and honesty are necessary for trust to grow.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Dante feel threatened by Ari’s connection with Cassandra?
Dante feels threatened because he perceives that Ari shares something unique with Cassandra that he does not share with Dante. This suggests that Dante equates emotional intimacy with exclusivity, and he worries that Ari might not need him as much.
2. How does Ari describe his feelings for Cassandra, and what does this reveal about his understanding of his sexuality?
Ari says his feelings for Cassandra are not sexual; he is not attracted to girls that way. He explains that he likes women for their honesty and vulnerability. This shows that Ari is able to distinguish between emotional closeness and sexual desire, and he is secure enough to say he is probably not bisexual at this point.
3. What is the significance of Dante suggesting they change the subject?
Dante’s request to talk about something else indicates that he is not fully comfortable with the direction of the conversation. It reveals that while he asked a brave question, he is not yet ready to explore the implications deeply. This moment suggests that Dante still has work to do in processing his own insecurities.