How I Live Now Number's Man Analysis

What does being a human mean? Every person is a human, even if they are nothing alike, they still share specific elements that are all unique to the human species. These elements make up the “shared humanity”. The six categories include emotions, loss, relationship, survival, morality, and choice. Some may not realize it, but these are shown within a person’s daily life. No matter what culture, or background someone has, they have shared humanity. These characteristics of human’s are perceived throughout three particular works; How I Live Now, ”Number’s Man”, and It’s Kind of a Funny Story. Throughout the novel How I Live Now, the characteristic, survival, is shown through a coping mechanism. The novel is about a girl named Daisy who

In the novel It’s Kind of a Funny Story, relationship and choice are the two main characteristics that are represented throughout it. The book is about a teenager named Craig who makes poor life decisions, leading him towards depression. He soon admits himself into a psych ward where he forms special relationships with the inmates. As Craig is in the hospital, he talks to his therapist and says, “‘The people are anchors…’” (Vizzini, 308). As in anchors, he means the things or people in his life that stay in life and keep his happiness secure. As he is realizing this, he also talks to the kid who used to be his best friend Aaron. “He’s been demoted from most important friend to friend, and he’s going to have earn that, even…” (Vizzini, 396). THis quote is a breaking point for Craig. He knows Aaron is not his true friend, even if he wants to keep believing that. He’s finally come to terms that his past is his past and since he’s spent time in the psych ward, he understands what a true friend acts like and he’s not afraid to express it. Usually during the event of someone’s coming to age, true friends and family are recognized, and real relationships are formed. An example would be Craig’s relationships with the inmates in the hospital. Along with his friend choice, Craig made other poor choices before he was in the hospital, which soon lead him to making the right decisions once he was released. One of the first ones he made was his smoking phase. “‘Smoke. Celebrate.’...I nodded,” (Vizzini, 89). This quote illustrates Aaron persuading Craig to do something he knew he shouldn’t. This decision could’ve triggered his depression, even if he wasn’t aware of it. All his choices affect his future self, even the good decisions. At the end of the story, Craig realizes he loves to draw, and he finally tells his parents, “‘This’- I point to the brain