Here's a breakdown of why Penn might be considered a problematic friend to Crash:
* He's Manipulative: Penn is shown to be manipulative and uses Crash's naivety and desire for acceptance to his advantage. He encourages Crash to engage in risky behaviors like skipping school and stealing, which ultimately leads to Crash's downfall.
* He's Self-Serving: Penn's actions are often self-serving, and he doesn't seem genuinely concerned for Crash's well-being. He uses Crash's talents to benefit himself, like when he gets Crash to draw a comic strip for him.
* He's Unreliable: Penn is not a reliable friend. He often disappears when Crash needs him, and he doesn't always have his back. He's also shown to be dishonest and can't be trusted to keep his promises.
* He's Jealous: Penn exhibits jealousy and insecurity towards Crash, particularly when Crash excels in something. He often tries to undermine Crash's successes and makes him feel inadequate.
While Penn may offer Crash a sense of belonging and excitement, his behavior is ultimately harmful and exploitative.
It's important to note that the novel doesn't offer simple judgments about friendship. It's open to interpretation and invites readers to consider the nuances of human relationships.
Overall, Penn's actions are more reflective of a toxic friend than a good one. He lacks genuine empathy and ultimately contributes to Crash's struggles.