Learning Seventeen Analysis

As busy human beings we often take for granted the people in our life that continually lift us up without even knowing. These people can be family members, friends, colleagues, partners, and even mentors in our own work field. They are the ones who shine light on the raw magnificent qualities of ourselves without directly intending too. The two minor characters within the books Learning Seventeen by Brooke Carter and Gabrielle Prendergast’s Pinch Me both play important roles to the main characters in terms of lifting them up, and shining a light on their special qualities ultimately changing their lives for the better. The minor character in Carter’s book is Hannah, who becomes not only a lover for major character Jane Learning, but also teaches
It is quite clear that Jane and Darren appreciate people who are honest, as Hannah and Susan create a lasting impact on their lovers from their honesty. In Learning Seventeen Hannah is abrupt and honest right away when she meets Jane, immediately discussing her “Little brush with death” as in Jane’s attempt at suicide (Carter 80 2018). Initially Jane is startled by her blunt qualities and honesty but later on grows on her and inspires her. Hannah is also very forward and truthful with Jane about her pride of being a lesbian at No Hope Academy, where the two lovers met. She wittingly says, “I just love girls is all. I love them, they love me, and that is never going to change” (Carter 82 2018). Hannah’s truthfulness to herself is inspirational to Jane, as she adores her more bright personality and ambition thus inspiring Jane to be more honest with herself. Susan is also very honest with Darren, especially when it comes to their relationship he is unfamiliar with. She never romanticizes how they began dating, but rather accepts the humor in the fact that Darren simply told her to not date a guy named Brian and Darren instead. Her ability to cut to the chase rather than blur the lines is what makes Susan such a strong character in the story. Closer to the end of the story, Susan also is able to be blunt and honest as well when it comes to Darren’s poor actions in his other life. She says, “You took off and got famous and forgot about me?” remaining forward and almost confrontational to Darren, which is actually what he needed in the story in order to better himself in his other life (Prendergast 80