1. Identity and Belonging:
* Geoffrey feels lost and unsure of his place in the world, particularly as a Black boy in a predominantly white community. He experiences racism and prejudice, leading him to question his identity and worth.
* He struggles with the pressure to conform to expectations of masculinity, both within his family and society, feeling like he doesn't quite fit in.
2. Family Relationships:
* Geoffrey has a strained relationship with his father, who is distant and emotionally unavailable. He craves his father's attention and approval but struggles to connect with him.
* His relationship with his mother is more loving but also complicated by her own struggles with grief and loneliness.
3. Self-Discovery and Acceptance:
* Geoffrey is grappling with his sexuality and feeling confused and scared about his attraction to other boys. This inner conflict is amplified by the homophobic attitudes prevalent in his environment.
* He navigates his own journey of self-discovery and acceptance, struggling to reconcile his identity with the expectations of others.
4. Grief and Loss:
* The novel explores the impact of loss, particularly Geoffrey's experience with the death of his brother. He struggles to process this trauma and its lasting effects on his family and himself.
5. External Conflicts:
* While the main conflicts are internal, Geoffrey faces some external struggles as well. He encounters racism and prejudice from other children and even adults, which contributes to his sense of isolation and alienation.
* He also experiences conflict within his family, particularly with his father, who struggles to understand and support him.
Through these conflicts, Geoffrey learns to navigate his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges and growing as an individual. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, family, and the complexities of navigating a world that often feels hostile to those who don't conform to societal norms.