Chapter Seven: A Phone Call, Self‑Doubt, and a Risqué Joke
⚠️ 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 falls asleep reading The Sun Also Rises when his mother wakes him for a phone call from Dante. Dante tells Ari that his father is enthusiastically telling him about famous homosexuals in history, including Oscar Wilde. Dante’s dad is trying to be supportive, and Ari notes that Dante’s father is “a literature guy” who enjoys ideas. The conversation shifts to school; Ari admits he hates school and feels he never fit in, especially now that he’s gay. Hurt by Ari’s comment, Dante asks if Ari hates “all this.” Ari reassures him by saying he’ll come over.
When Ari arrives, they sit on Dante’s front steps. They discuss the difficulty of being neither Mexican enough nor American enough, and Dante adds they’ll never be straight enough. Ari brings up the AIDS crisis, expressing fear and anger that many people would be glad if gay men died. The mood turns heavy until Dante lightens it with a joke: “So, if we’re screwed, do you think that sometime, we could, like, screw?” Ari plays along, and inside he admits he wants to kiss Dante.
Key Events
- Ari falls asleep reading and his mother wakes him for a call.
- Dante shares that his dad is telling him about famous gay historical figures.
- Ari confesses his dislike for school and feeling like an outsider.
- Dante asks if Ari hates everything about being gay, and Ari reassures him.
- Ari goes to Dante’s house; they sit on the front steps.
- They talk about Mexican‑American identity and not fitting in anywhere.
- Ari voices his fear of the AIDS epidemic and society’s hostility.
- Dante makes a sexual joke to break the sadness.
- Ari acknowledges his desire to kiss Dante.
Character Development
Aristotle (Ari) – Ari openly admits he never fit in and now feels even more isolated as a gay teen. He shows vulnerability by sharing his fear of the AIDS crisis and his longing for Dante. His casual reply to Dante’s joke hints at his growing comfort with his sexuality.
Dante – Dante’s humor serves as a coping mechanism. He is both hurt by Ari’s earlier pessimism and determined to lift their spirits. He’s unafraid to joke about sex, signaling that he is ready to explore intimacy.
Sam Quintana (Dante’s father) – Although not physically present, his supportive talk about Oscar Wilde and other historical figures shows a parent trying to normalize his son’s sexuality.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Identity as a No‑Man’s‑Land – The boys articulate that they will never be “Mexican enough,” “American enough,” or “straight enough.” This theme of in‑betweenness echoes earlier discussions and becomes central to their shared experience.
The AIDS Crisis – Ari brings up the reality of the epidemic, grounding the story in a historical context of fear and stigma. This external threat heightens the stakes for their relationship.
Humor as Survival – Dante’s joke reframes their “screwed” situation, turning despair into a moment of connection. The motif of using laughter to confront hardship recurs throughout the novel.
Desire and Longing – Ari’s internal admission that he wants to kiss Dante reveals a deepening emotional and physical attraction, marking a step toward self‑acceptance.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Seven deepens Ari and Dante’s bond by moving beyond playful banter into shared vulnerability. They confront not only their own feelings but also the social realities of being gay in the 1980s – including the AIDS crisis and cultural pressures around masculinity and ethnicity. Dante’s bold joke opens the door to physical intimacy, while Ari’s longing signals that he is ready to embrace his desires. The chapter solidifies their partnership as a safe space against a hostile world.
Study Questions and Answers
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Question: What does Dante’s father tell him about, and how does Ari react?
Answer: Dante’s father tells him about famous homosexuals in history, such as Oscar Wilde. Ari says he likes Dante’s dad because he is curious and not afraid of ideas. -
Question: Why does Ari say they are “really screwed,” and how does Dante respond?
Answer: Ari lists that they will never be considered Mexican, American, or straight enough, and he mentions the AIDS crisis and society’s wish for gay men to die. Dante initially agrees sadly, then lightens the mood with a sexual joke. -
Question: What internal feeling does Ari admit at the very end of the chapter?
Answer: Ari admits that he wanted to kiss Dante, revealing his strong romantic and physical desire.