Ghost Boy by Ian Lawrence

1506 Words4 Pages

Prejudice is an issue that cannot be easily avoided in today's society. It has and always will have a huge impact on the discrimination that some people face based on religion, appearance, background, mental/physical disabilities and etc. In the novel Ghost Boy, written by Ian Lawrence, prejudice plays an important role in the society built within the pages and cover of the book. Harold Kline, the fourteen year old protagonist of the novel, faces many problems with the members of the society in which he lives based on his appearance because he is an albino. From rhymes to taunts and shoves, Harold is bound to accept the harsh reality that he is forced to live with. Being bullied is never an easy thing to deal with, and it certainly wasn't easy for Harold, till the day the circus came to town. Being inspired with the idea of meeting the Cannibal King, Harold runs off to join the traveling circus, which was the best decision he ever made because it gave him a chance to grow mentally and emotionally, and become a strong individual. The extended metaphor "The World is a Circus" sums up the reality of life in five simple words and for some like Harold, it is hard to recognize or comprehend the meaning of those five simple words until they have experienced it. Throughout the novel introductions to new characters are made, those whom appear genuine and sincere but really are not at all, and those who carry themselves and their personality with respect and grace but are rejected by society because of their appearance. Tina (Princess Minikin), Samuel, and the Gypsy Magda are the three main examples of sincerity and truthfulness carried throughout friends that prove themselves to be true and ever so loving in the course of this novel. Even though they are called "Freaks" it doesn't stop them from being who they truly are, and it does not influence them in any way, but instead they embrace their uniqueness to reveal to Harold that they are friends unlike any other. In spite of the several talks that the characters exchange with Harold, and the attempt of dying his hair black, Harold still feels weak on the inside and not ready to defend himself. Instead he retreats into himself and repeatedly utters the little chant he invented "No one can see me, no one can hurt me.

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